THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL ISOLATION, TELECOMMUTING INTENSITY LEVELS, AUTONOMY, AND JOB SATISFACTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Author

Kristy WilliamsFollow

Date of Award

Fall 12-2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

Leadership

Committee Chair

Dr. H. Quincy Brown

Committee Chair School

Leadership

Committee Member 2

Dr. Heather M. Annulis

Committee Member 2 School

Leadership

Committee Member 3

Dr. Jonathan Beedle

Committee Member 3 School

Leadership

Committee Member 4

Dr. Dale L. Lunsford

Committee Member 4 School

Leadership

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced workplaces to social distance, and millions of workers began telecommuting or working from home (Kniffin et al., 2021). Becker (2002) stated, “How well companies manage their human capital is a crucial factor in their success (p. 8).” The pandemic has profoundly affected human capital (Ballotpedia, 2021; Collings et al., 2021; Jesuthasan et al., 2020; Kniffin et al., 2021). This study examined the relationship between social isolation, telecommuting intensity levels, autonomy, and job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher attempted to answer the research question and objectives by conducting a quantitative correlation study using a survey design. The study resulted in four findings. The study confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting employees’ home, work, and social lives. Social isolation increases as job satisfaction decrease. The survey examined participants’ responses to face-to-face activities and meetings, and informal interactions negatively impacted overall social isolation scoring. Telecommuting intensity levels do not influence job satisfaction—finally, autonomy associates with job satisfaction and telecommuting intensity levels.

The results and findings emphasize addressing social isolations and autonomy to prevent decreased job satisfaction, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the ongoing pandemic, telecommuting will remain around, and more programs adapted. Telecommuting intensity increases as autonomy increases; hence it is a possible indirect need for further research and companies to explore opportunities to establish policies and procedures to manage and execute employee wellness programs (Miller, 2020; Odom, 2021; Ranola, 2021; The Conference Board, 2021).

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1772-3494

Recommended Citation

Williams, Kristy, "THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL ISOLATION, TELECOMMUTING INTENSITY LEVELS, AUTONOMY, AND JOB SATISFACTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC" (2021). Dissertations. 1958.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/1958