When work comes home; Coping Strategies of Teleworkers and their Families - Essay Example

When “work” comes “home”; Coping Strategies of Teleworkers and their Families” Critical Analysis 12 November, 2009 This purpose of “ When “work” comes “home” ; Coping Strategies of Teleworkers and their Families” was to determine the interdependencies that that work and home share with regard to teleworking. The research is based on the information gathered from 25 teleworkers and the way they manage their work and domestic situations. The research was divided into case studies to demonstrate different situations faced by these individual and a conclusion was drawn from the evidence presented in the case studies. 1. What paradigm is the author writing within, Critical or uncritical? The term critical refers the rational arguments and logic to explain questions and to weigh up evidence to support claims (Goatly, 2000). The authors use a critical paradigm for their work, with the help of which they build their arguments and present their data eventually leading to evaluation which supports what the authors are trying to portray. The information in this research paper is based both on primary data collection as well as secondary data obtained from various literature sources. The primary information was collected through structured and semi-structured interviews with numerous participants. This information was then categorized into representative case studies which illustrated various home and work situations. The paper follows a logical order of arguments throughout. The purpose of the paper is highlighted in the beginning. Teleworking and "coping strategies” along with various definitions and explanations of “work” and “home” are presented as the writers identify both as two separate discourses and the different temporal regimes they “draw on”. The writing criticizes the co existence of work and home in the same environment. In their selection of the research sample the writers recognize their limitations and clearly state that their “findings cannot be generalized to other telework groups...” The evidence leading to the conclusion is presented adequately. 2. Is there any bias in the paper? If so, what? Incomplete descriptions limit the overall understanding of the participants in the research therefore greatly impacting the interpretations and applications of the research findings (Dana, 2005). A dilemma about how the researchers should respond to the data they have collected and a poor review process and make the evidence bias (Piekkari & Welch, 2004). There is bias in the paper since it is inclined more towards proving that there are issues in working at home rather than highlighting the positive aspects or the balances. This research does not cover all cultural and social characteristics and the sample is not a representation of all homeworkers. Even thought the case studies are built as supporting evidence, only those points which support the fact problematic nature of the topic are highlighted and included in the discussion as is the example in the case “ Home Sweet Home” Tom made a deliberate choice to work at home to be with his family, Tom does not seem entirely bothered by the coexistence of work and home, and seems to enjoy spending time with his family and the domestic aspects of his life such as looking after is son, going to the gym, shopping gardening and being a part of a local community. He does not seem resentful about passing up job the job opportunity as he considers himself “very much the same professional” and does not neglect his work and Tom and his family do not seem to have issues in managing. But in discussion the authors state that “Tom is drawn into the temporalities and patterns of the domestic existence to the extent that professional ambition/ increased material wealth are negated.” This does not seem to reflect Tom’s feelings in the case study, yet the case only highlights his feelings of “being stretched thin”. The conclusions do not highlight the positive impact the bringing together of work and home have on these families. 3. How strong are the arguments made? When making arguments it is crucial that the ultimate goal is kept in mind and that the while developing a case each point should lead towards achieving that goal (Waicukauski, Sandler& Epps, 2001).Arguments include backgrounds, definitions and explanations (Booth, Colomb & Williams, 2008). The argument made is this case is strong. The research was aimed at investigating the changing family-work interdependencies. The argument was centered on the belief that teleworkers and their families are forced to negotiate and develop “coping strategies” the existence of “work” and “home” which the writers believe are two separate environments. The research also argues that work and home existing simultaneously raises questions about the moral and social principle around which living relationships are organized. The researches present their arguments well through the selection of a sample, which they clarify does not represent all the “homeworkers”. The information gathered from the respondents is categorized and developed into three case studies which represent relating or similar groups of respondents. In presenting their argument through case studies they cover all aspects provided by the evidence to back up their claims. The writers are clear about what they want to state in the argument and were focused on gathering and analyzing data with relevance to the argument, using the case studies they are able to illustrate their arguments. 4. Do the conclusion follow from the evidence provided? Conclusions should justify the main points by putting all the arguments together (Hashimoto, Kroll & Schafer, 2002). The conclusion should be a reflection of the beginning and middle of the paper while summarizing the major points of the body (Matthaus, 2008). The conclusion clearly follows from the evidence provided in the paper. Although the conclusion is not very detailed it is still extracted from the evidence provided throughout the paper to support the argument which was put forth. In the initial argument the writers stated that work and home are two different discourses and that “working at home raises questions about the moral and social principles around which living relations are organized.” The writers concluded that “teleworking brings to the fore some pressing contemporary questions about the relationship between work and family.” and that families in the case studies had to make adjustments and redefine boundaries to cope with the co-existence of both work and home in their practical lives. The evidence gathered from the case studies which represented various classes of “homeworkers the writers highlighted the challenges the workers and their families faced and the ways the families manage. The writers’ analysis of the gathered evidence states that “…in all three cases, telework is not completely unproblematic: loss of career opportunities; feelings of loneliness and boredom; increase in stress and feelings of guilt; loss of identity; resentment of having to take on particular domestic and/or professional roles; dispute over space and time..” and based on this the conclusion is formulated. 5. Overall, what are your views about this paper? This paper is well written and appropriately structured. It presents a strong case regarding what the writers are trying to convey. The definition of telework explanation of various discourses and coping strategies provide a better understanding of the topic. The research carried out was very thorough and supports the claims made by the researchers, but due to the lack of an adequate sample it cannot be generalized to all classes of homeworkers. It seems though that some personal opinion is included but it is not in anyway irrelevant to the collected data. The paper seems to be inclined towards highlighting the negative aspects of combining family and profession but communicates the central point well. The conclusion is not too detailed, and does not deliver any solid proof about the research and leaves the subject open to further research. References Booth WC, Colomb CG & Williams JM (2008). The craft of research. University of Chicago Press Dana RH (2005) Multicultural assessment: principles, applications, and example. Routledge Goatly A (2000) Critical reading and writing: an introductory coursebook. Routledge Hashimoto I, Kroll BM & Schafer JC (2002) Strategies for academic writing: a guide for college students. University of Michigan Press. Matthaus A (2008) Academic Writing - Student Term Papers - Structure, Introductions, Conclusions. GRIN Verlag. Piekkari R & Welch C (2004) Handbook of qualitative research methods for international business. Edward Elgar Publishing Waicukauski RJ, Sandler PM & Epps, JA (2001). The Winning Agruement. American Bar Association. Bibliography Moriarty M (1997) Writing science through critical thinking The Jones and Bartlett series in logic, critical thinking, and scientific method Philosophy Series. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Pirie DB (1985) How to write critical essays: a guide for students of literature. Routledge Read More