Homebased work: a review of research into themes, directions and implications

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to systematically summarise and evaluate recent articles on modem homebased work (2000-2009). In identifying the key recurrent themes and commonalities in the existing research, it brings order to the variety of contributions to provide future directions for inquiry and knowledge production. Design/methodology/approach - Papers are identified through systematic keyword searches of multi-disciplinary databases. The aim is to identify papers that explore the social/organisational embeddedness of homebased work, rather than framing it as a technology related phenomena/problem. Findings - The review highlights some contradictory evidence about the potential for change entailed in horneworking practices and an absence of studies which focus on "less visible" workers engaged in homebased production. It also argues that few longitudinal studies exist which could address the question of the ability of homebased work to initiate change. Practical implications - The paper provides an evaluation of the literature to make sense of the diversity of themes and issues within existing research. The insights gained are of use to both academics researching this form of working and practitioners implementing it. Gaps within existing knowledge and directions for future study are also identified. Originality/value - This paper is a timely review of the recent articles that have been published on homebased work.