Factors Affecting Productivity of Virtual Workers: A Case of Software Houses in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting the productivity of the virtual workforce. The selected independent variables were poor communication, lack of organization structure, office culture, task management complexity, work unaccountability; and work life unbalance and dependent variable was productivity of virtual workers. The researcher in the current study has selected respondents from Karachi city as it is one of the most populated urban areas and has vast numbers of software houses. The researcher used convenience sampling. The data collected from the employees of software house located in Karachi. The sample size of the study is between 300-350 respondents depending on the accessibility of the respondents accordingly. Quantitative research method adopted in this study. A structured questionnaire is used to collect data from respondents that were based on Likert scale. The collected data run in SPSS (statistical software) in order to check its reliability and validity. As per the findings, Poor Communication, Lack of Organization Structure, Lack of Office Culture, Task Management Complexity, Work Unaccountability and Work Life Unbalance have an impact on dependent variable Productivity of Virtual Workers. The software organizations should have a proper communication system to communicate with co-workers about ongoing projects, keep them informed and track tasks and availability, maintain an easy and orderly work-from-home experience. There are many apps and tools designed to help to stay in touch with the team members. Choosing the right apps will be key to ensuring productivity at home. Moreover, internal feedback system also works best for improving employee’s productivity.

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