Exploratory factor analysis on advantages and disadvantages of potential female telecommuters in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

It is well-known that the practice of telecommuting is compatible among female workforce especially married females with dependents. However, the adoption rate of telecommuting among these workforces is more plausible if they perceive telecommuting offers increased advantages rather than disadvantages. This paper examines the perceptions of potential female telecommuters on the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting. Four employment categories namely “clerical”, “associate professional”, “professional” and “managerial” in the business organizations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were selected for the questionnaire survey. An exploratory factor analysis was applied on the list of advantages and disadvantages and related them to unobserved/latent constructs. The mean factor scores of “clerical workers” and “associate professionals” for factor 2 (job stability) was substantially higher than “managers” and “professionals”. Regarding the disadvantages of telecommuting, factor 2 (reduced interaction and promotions) was remarkably more important for “managers” and “professionals”, and consistently less accountable for “associate professionals” and “clerical workers”.