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Drs. Franz Josef GellertHanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen

Prof. dr. Rene SchalkTilburg University

September 2009, DECOWE Conference, Ljubljana

Nomadic work-challenging students?

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1.Problems

2.Questions

3.Research sample 1

4.Research sample 2

5.Methods

6.Results:

7.Conclusion

8.Practical implications for students

9.Future research

10.Discussion

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Problems

Financial Crises

Many workers are laid off

Changes in work

Redesign of work places

Different needs and wishes of employers and employees

Barriers of labor market entry (students)

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Questions

• What are students’ expectations with regard to nomadic

work?

• What are the experiences of workers with respect to nomad

work?

• Are there, from a managerial perspective, differences in

nomadic work across countries?

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Research sample 1

175 students in 2 Universities in Germany

Research sample 2

145 employers and 171 employees from Germany, the

Netherlands, United Kingdom, Uganda and Israel

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Methods (multi-methods)

Sample 1

questionnaires

Sample 2

questionnaires and interviews

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Results:

Q1: students have a higher preference for autonomy than for

nomadic work. The preference for nomadic work predicts the

choice for employer, especially for employers that focus on

providing financial benefits and opportunities for development.

Q2: nomadic work is beneficial and challenging for both

employers and employees.

Q3: indeed some differences were found

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ConclusionNomads are highly skilled people, well educated students

Nomads are flexible workers

Nomads are likely to become more present in organizations

Nomads are employees of the future

Nomads manage WLB properly

Nomads discover new career opportunities

Nomads are highl motivated (regardless age or gender)

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Practical implications for students

Learning in diverse teams

Intrinsic motivation

Flexibility, mobility

Learning and training of social skills

Network building and network maintenance

Openness

See opportunities and challenges

Take new career paths

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Future research

physical and psychological effects (mental and physical stability)

Balance of work and non-work activities

Longitudinal research

Impact of nomad work on economical factors

Business related differentiation of nomadic work (Benchmarking,

balance score card)

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Discussion-Questions?

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Questions?