Date of Award
2002
Document Type
Honors Thesis (Open Access)
Department
Colby College. Economics Dept.
Advisor(s)
Thomas H. Tietenberg
Abstract
While the concept is not new, the popularity of telecommuting has increased with the expansion in telecommunications and technology througb the last twenty years. Telecommuting, or the ability to work away from one's regular office site, is now easier than ever to do with the advancements in reliable telephone systems, personal computers, and internet access that allow one to go to the office virtually rather than physically. This concept has gained the attention of policymakers and public planners because of its potential to address various issues, possibly leading to a better quality of life, increased productivity, and improved air quality. This study examines tbe economic causes and consequences of telecommuting by ftrst looking at what factors cause people to telecommute and then determining the potential consequences of its increasing popularity. While there is no typical telecommuter, there seem to be several common factors among workers that choose to do so. Telecommuting has the potential to produce many benefits for society; however, determining whether it will ever realize its potential is still unclear.
Keywords
Telecommuting -- United States, Work and family -- United States
Recommended Citation
Marlow, Jonathan, "Suits or pajamas: an economic analysis of the causes and consequences of telecommuting" (2002). Honors Theses. Paper 155.https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/honorstheses/155
Copyright
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