Gorgoni, Sara ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4810-869X, Conaldi, Guido ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3552-7307, Piazza, Anna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5785-6948, De Vita, Riccardo, Saint Hilaire, Antoinette and Cronin, Bruce ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3776-8924 (2025) Task and creative performance in working from home during Covid-19: an application of social network analysis. In: Cronin, Bruce ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3776-8924, (ed.) Handbook of Research Methods and Applications in Heterodox Economics, 2nd Edition. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK. (In Press)

PDF (Author's Accepted Book Chapter) 51561 CRONIN_Task_And_Creative_Performance_In_Working_From_Home_During_Covid-19_(AAM)_2025.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (861kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This chapter investigates how involuntary work-from-home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic affected knowledge workers’ task and creative performance, using social network analysis across five units in two professional services firms. Drawing on organizational theory, communication theory, and strategic management, the study distinguishes between exploitative (task-oriented) and explorative (creative and innovative) activities. Findings reveal that, contrary to expectations of disruption, WFH enhanced both task performance and creative performance. Task performance benefited from lean communication channels and was moderated by media skills, while creative performance improved with richer non-workflow communication, though media skills played no role. Organizational integration (tenure) positively influenced task performance, but women—often considered less integrated—reported higher creative performance, suggesting distinctive digital communication practices. The study highlights that remote work effectiveness depends on communication strategies, integration, and skill development, offering insights for hybrid work design and equity in digital collaboration.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	New chapter (2nd ed., 1st edition 2016). - MP
Uncontrolled Keywords:	remote work, task performance, creative performance, social network analysis, communication channels, organizational integration
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Greenwich Business School Greenwich Business School > Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC) Greenwich Business School > School of Business, Operations and Strategy
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2025 15:18
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/51561

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