You're On Your Own, Kid - A study of the impact of a change in remote working on affective commitment

Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of a change in remote working on affective commitment and what aspects influence the behavior of this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: Using a deductive quantitative approach, data from 507 participants from backgrounds with typically differing levels of power distance, namely India and the U.S., was gathered and analyzed with ordinary least squares regression-based path analysis. A number of moderators, namely job discretion, work-scheduling latitude, perceived organizational support, and the cultural dimensions of power distance, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism-individualism, masculinity, and long-term orientation-with power distance being of most relevance-were tested in order to garner more detailed insight into the impact of a change in remote working on affective commitment. Findings: A total significant negative effect of a change in remote working on affective commitment was found. However, a significant positive indirect effect of serial mediation via work-scheduling latitude and job discretion was also found, indicating that in addition to the negative direct effect, a change in remote working also has the potential to generate positive effects. None of the tested moderators turned out to have a significant impact, implying that this relationship held true and remained stable even in the face of contextual differences. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the body of research on how to optimally make use of remote working in a post-Covid-19 context, with particular reference to generating affective commitment among employees. By testing a number of moderators, it adds further detail not previously mapped for this relationship. In particular, it fills the research gap on cross-cultural differences with regard to the link between a change in remote working and affective commitment.