Company investments in home-PCs: realising business value through human resource development?

Abstract

In Europe, companies are increasing their investments in home-PCs to employees for use at home. These investments are stimulated by tax regulations mainly driven by the assumption that these investments increase IT competence and competitiveness. However, there are few empirical studies that have analysed these assumptions. This paper contributes with empirical data to the relationship between the management of home-PC arrangements and business value. The relationship between home-PC investments, financial-, training- and support strategies, and business value is explored with interview data from 8 Norwegian companies, consultants and technology providers followed by an empirical survey in 69 companies. The main results suggest that home-PCs stimulate knowledge creation, but also that tax regulation can be counterproductive. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research. The results have implications for business and government leaders globally, as they make policy decisions regarding the implementation of programs that stimulate the adoption of home-PCs that are intended to stimulate IT competence.