Flexible Small Firms? Why Some Small Firms Facilitate the Use of FWPs

Authors

  • Catherine E. Gordon Western University
  • Julie A. McMullin Western University
  • Tracey L. Adams Western University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/cjs19693

Keywords:

flexible workplace practices, alternative work arrangements, workplace cultures, work-life balance, small firms

Abstract

Abstract. This paper examines why some small firms offer Flexible Workplace Policies (FWPs) while others do not and what factors contribute to the offering and use of FWPs within small firms. A multiple case study is employed using multiple data sources on seventeen information technology (IT) small firms in Canada. Findings reveal three types of firms with regard to their flexibility, working hours, and approaches to time. Among these firm types, discernible patterns emerged based on the owners’ past employment experiences and personal approaches to work-life balance. Our results suggest that structured social relations experienced through past places of employment have lasting effects on small firm owners in their current firms. Résumé. Cet article examine la raison pour laquelle certaines petites entreprises proposent des politiques de lieu de travail flexible alors que d’autres ne les offrent pas; l’article se penche aussi sur les facteurs contribuant à la prestation et à l’utilisation de ces politiques par les petites entreprises. Une étude de cas multiples est utilisée, faisant appel à des sources de données multiples de 17 petites entreprises de technologie de l’information (TI) au Canada. Les conclusions révèlent trois types d’entreprises en ce qui concerne la flexibilité, les heures de travail et les approches du temps. Certains modèles visibles se dégagent parmi ces types d’entreprises selon les expériences antérieures et les approches de conciliation travail-vie du propriétaire. Nos résultats indiquent que les relations sociales structurées vécues dans des lieux de travail antérieurs ont des effets durables sur les propriétaires de petites entreprises dans leur fonction actuelle.

Author Biographies

Catherine E. Gordon, Western University

Post-doctoral researcher & Lecturer Department of Sociology

Julie A. McMullin, Western University

Vice-Provost (International) Professor, Department of Sociology

Tracey L. Adams, Western University

Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology

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Published

2015-03-19

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Articles

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