The influence of telecommuting intensity on employee individual performance in the Chinese context: the mediating role of job crafting and the moderating role of e-leadership

Abstract

ABSTRACT As the digital economy and internet information surge forward, telecommuting has become a pivotal element in corporate digital transformation. This shift is revolutionising traditional management styles, altering employees’ work dynamics, compelling managers to adapt, and transforming the behaviour and outcomes of enterprise workforces. However, research on the impact of telecommuting intensity on employees’ personal performance in Chinese context is seldom studied at present. In order to explore the ways and effects of telecommuting intensity on employees’ personal performance, based on the theory of resource preservation, combined with the JDC model, this paper examines the effects of telecommuting intensity on employees’ personal performance with job crafting as the mediating variable and e-leadership as the moderating variable. Empirical analysis driven by 1012 validated questionnaires indicates a significant negative correlation between telecommuting intensity and individual performance, with approach-oriented and avoidance-oriented job crafting partially mediating this relationship. E-leadership negatively moderates the impact of telecommuting intensity on job crafting. This research intends to offer valuable insights to managers for enhancing the effective implementation of online telecommuting models and management practices.