Understanding users’ and hosts’ motives to co-working space: Case of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge gap by analysing the motivations of driving both users and hosts to the co-working space in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as the motives of co-working space is related to how well that space supports their needs.Design/methodology/approachBy using a mixed-methods approach, users’ and hosts’ behaviours were studied through the survey and in-depth interview, where 60 users were interviewed, as well as six operators of co-working space and two real estate market experts.FindingsBased on the results, convenient location, open space layout and ambiance, shared facilities, membership costs, flexible leases and knowledge sharing are the main motives that drive users to the co-working space and these motives are significantly related to user satisfaction. The results also showed that the users’ motives for working in the co-working space differ mostly from hosts in terms of service attributes.Research limitations/implicationsThe co-working space is more than just an office alternative but is a service-oriented real estate business. By providing the appropriate combination of attributes to succeed financially, co-workspace providers can support most of their members’ tasks, which leads to member satisfaction.Originality/valueResearch on the co-working place is still inadequate, particularly in Malaysia. Greater knowledge of attributes that influence users’ and hosts’ responses could lead to a better understanding and prediction in determining their needs and preferences.