Managing Telework: Strategies for Managing the Virtual Workforce (Hardcover)

by Jack M. Nilles (Author) "Teleworking is a form of distributed or decentralized work..." (more)
Key Phrases: Los Angeles, Cost Effectiveness, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In Managing Telework, Jack Nilles illustrates that telework is undeniably the corporate wave of the future on a global level. Telework, or telecommuting, a term coined originally by Nilles, means basically moving the work to the worker instead of the other way around. Although there are both risks and opportunities involved in managing a virtual workforce, the opportunities usually far outweigh the risks. As Nilles explains, the key to a successful virtual workforce is making the best use of those opportunities through proper planning and the development of an appropriate management style. Management philosophy, style, and technique constitute the foundation of this indispensable resource.

Managing Telework provides crucial information on every part of the telecommuting process. Nilles first explores the issues of selecting the right type of telecommuter—candidates who are likely to be effective workers without the structured environment of the office—and how to find or make proper workplaces for an effective telecommuting program. He then goes on to discuss that central, often unspoken managerial fear of telecommuting: the threat of losing control. Nilles explains that leaders, not administrators, are the key players in successful telecommuting, and that leadership can be taught. There must also be a basis of trust between the worker and the manager, and constant, open communication.

Many other pressing topics are discussed in detail, such as how to select the best technology for your specific organization, how to navigate the formal rules and regulations of telecommuting (including union rules and zoning laws), how to measure results, and how to set up a home office. Plus, there is absolutely critical advice provided on other legal, corporate, and cultural issues. This step-by-step guidebook to telework is the only management resource you'll need for the future of business.

Learn how to get out of the office.

A step-by-step guide to managing a successful, efficient, and happy virtual workforce.

"There is no better guide to telework than Jack Nilles. His insights are of growing importance to managers and teleworkers at all levels and sectors of government, business, and industry." —William H. Dutton Professor, Annenberg School of Communication and School of Public Policy and Urban Development at the University of Southern California, and former national director of the UK's Programme on Information and Communication Technologies(PICT)

"From his twenty-five years of pioneering and perfecting telework, Jack Nilles defines the essential leadership philosophy of the successful telemanager and presents his time-tested techniques for Managing Telework. These pages are packed with top-notch expertise. I wouldn't be without it!" —David Fleming Fleming LTD

"In Managing Telework, Jack Nilles describes what managers and workers need to do to create successful telework programs and explains the benefits they can derive from this way of working." —Paul Gray Professor of Information Science, Claremont Graduate University

"Another milestone from the father of telecommuting; an essential reference and stimulation for the biggest change in work organization since Henry Ford." —Peter Johnston Directorate General XIII BI, Telecommunications, Information Market and Exploitation of Research, European Commission

"The success of any telecommuting program hinges on thoroughly training telemanagers and non-teleworkers as well as telecommuters themselves. Nilles presents his guidelines in a practical, straightforward manner. —Margaret A. Klayton-Mi, PhD Associate Professor of Business Administration, Mary Washington College

"A major transformation in the nature of work is in process. Jack Nilles, for years the foremost expert and visionary leader in the field of telecommuting, has written the definitive book on the subject. This is where the future begins. Don't miss it." —Burt Nanus Author, Visionary Leadership Professor Emeritus of Management, University of Southern California

From the Publisher
Known internationally as one of the foremost experts in telecommuting, Jack Nilles here provides a complete guide to designing and implementing an efficient and successful telecommuting program. Based on his previous book Making Telecommuting Happen, this book is updated to include current issues relating to companies and managers working with a virtual workforce. This essential tool provides complete information on everything from effective methods for managing individuals working in the field to the legal issues surrounding distance workers to using the right technology. Managing Telework is unique in that it delivers both the big picture and implementation details needed to successfully manage a virtual workforce.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (August 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471293164
• ISBN-13: 978-0471293163
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #624,440 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything one needs to know about telework & telecommuting., October 13, 1998

By	David M. Fleming (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Jack Nilles delivers everything that leaders and managers could possibly want. With a relaxed and friendly writing style and his delightful sense of humor, Jack guides us with ease and clarity through the human and technological complexities of creating successfu telework programs. He provides the essential leadership and management philosophies and the time-tested techiniques learned from 25 years of cutting-edge experience. These pages pack a complete range of knowledge from practical checklists to internationl trends. It's even more than what we have come to expect from Jack, the Father of Telecommuting. I would not be without it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the telework bible, November 24, 2008

By	Tom Harnish & Kate Lister (Authors of Undress... (San Deigo, CA) - See all my reviews

As prescient today as it was when it was written ten years ago. Don't let the publication date dissuade you from reading this book, it's a gold mine of information that any manager needs to know to cope with - ney, encourage - telework. Why ecourage it? Because you'll have lower costs and more productive employees. If think facetime is crucial, read this book.

My wife and I just finished a book Undress for Success: The Naked Truth about Making Money at Home on telework for employees and this book was our primer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Helpful!, September 21, 1999

By A Customer

From a management perspective, this book offers great advice on how to establish telecommuting relationships with your employees. It walks you through the steps in a straightforward and friendly fashion. To improve your bottom line further, I recommend "The Work at Home Balancing Act" by Sandy Anderson. This resource will arm your telecommuting employees with everything they need to successfully manage their work and personal lives under one roof. These books should be the foundation of everyone's telecommuting resource library. Read them and profit