Flexible Work Environment and Organisational Competitiveness of Selected Telecommunication Firms in South-South Nigeria
Authors
Department of Business Administration, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria (Nigeria)
Department of Business Administration, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria (Nigeria)
Department of Finance, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State (Nigeria)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100600593
Subject Category: Business Management
Volume/Issue: 10/6 | Page No: 8490-8505
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-06-10
Accepted: 2026-06-15
Published: 2026-06-30
Abstract
This study examined the impact of Flexible Work Environment on Organisational Competitiveness of Telecommunication Firms in South-South Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of remote work, job sharing and part-time-work on organisational competitiveness of telecommunication firms in South -South, Nigeria. Three (3) objectives were raised and three null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Survey design was adopted with a population of 872 employees of randomly selected telecommunication firms in South-South, Nigeria. The sample size was 269. The instrument adopted for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistic (means and simple percentage) was used to answer the demographic variables while multiple regressions were used to test the hypotheses using SPSS 25 at 0.05 level of significant. The findings of the study revealed that: there is a significant impact of remote work on organisational competitiveness (0.000); there is a significant impact of job sharing on organisational competitiveness (0.003) and there is a significant impact of part time work on organisational competitiveness (0.010) of telecommunication firms in South–South, Nigeria. It was concluded that Flexible work environment is an excellent option for organisations seeking a healthy and a competitive advantage. It was recommended that managers and stakeholders should offer employees the flexibility to work from anywhere for this will laminate commuting and providing a better work-life balance and stakeholders should sustain the incorporation of job sharing to allow employee to gradually reduce their workload while still contributing to the organization.
Keywords
Flexible work environment, Organisational competitiveness, Remote work, Job sharing, Part-time work.
Downloads
References
1. Agha K., Azmi F. T & Irfan A. (2017). Work-life balance and job satisfaction: An empirical study focusing on higher education teachers in Oman. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 7(3): 164-171. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. ALEXANDRA T. ROBERT C. K. & YARILET P. (2024). COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE DEFINITION WITH TYPES AND EXAMPLES. RETRIEVED FROM: HTTPS://WWW.INVESTOPEDIA.COM/TERMS/C/COMPETITIVE _ADVANTAGE.ASP [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Alnoor, A., Khaw, K. W., Chew, X., Abbas, S., & Khattak, Z. Z. (2023). The influence of the barriers of hybrid strategy on strategic competitive priorities: evidence from oil companies. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 24(2), 179–198. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Anajaa E. O. & Peter J. T (2022). Effect of Workplace Flexibility on Employee Performance A Case Study Of Al-Babello Trading Company, Zaria, Nigeria. IJRP, 110(1), 373-384; [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Antunes, F., Pereira, L.F., Dias, Á.L & da Silva (2023). Flexible labour policies as competitive advantage. Global Journal of Flexible System Management , 24(1), 563–590. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Asim, M., & Nasim, S. (2022). Modeling enterprise flexibility and competitiveness for Indian pharmaceutical firms: A qualitative study. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 23(4), 551–571. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Balasa, A. P. (2020). COVID–19 on lockdown, social distancing and flattening the curve–A review. European Journal of Business and Management Research, 5(3): 39-53. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Barnes, A., & Jones, S. (2020). The 4-day week. How the flexible work revolution can increase productivity, profitability, and well-being, and help create a sustainable future. In Little Brown and Firm. London: Priatkus. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Bouncken R. B., Kraus S. & Roig-Tierno, N. (2021). Knowledge-and innovationbased business models for future growth: Digitalized business models and portfolio considerations. Review of Managerial Science, 15(1), 1-14. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Castro, I. F., & Giraldi, J. D. (2018). Shared brands and sustainable competitive advantage in the Brazilian wine sector. IJWBR, 2(30), 243–259. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Chung, H. (2020). Gender, flexibility stigma and the perceived negative consequences of flexible working in the UK. Social Indicators Research, 151(2), 521–545. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Danylenko O. (2023). Remote work and employee satisfaction. Retrieved from: https://www.teemyco.com/post/remote-work-and-employee-satisfaction. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Dhal, S., Panda, D., & Mishra, N. (2021). Challenges on the workplace due to changing nature of workforce management: An analysis on the future of work. Parikalpana - KIIT Journal of Management., 17(1), 87–94. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. FRANK L. (2022) WHAT EFFECT DOES REOMOTE WORK HAVE ON PRODUCTIVITY?. RETRIEVED FROM: HTTPS://GETSTREAM.IO/BLOG/REMOTE-WORK-EFFECTS/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Georgewill, I. A. (2021). Structural flexibility and corporate responsiveness in the business environment: a theoretical review. European Journal of Ecanomic and Financial Research. 4(4): 169-199. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Georgewill, I. A. (2021). Structural flexibility and corporate responsiveness in the business environment: a theoretical review. European Journal of Ec anomic and Financial Research. 4(4): 169-199. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Guedria M. A. (2023). The rise of remote work and its impact on businesses. Retrieved from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-remote-work-its-impact-businesses-mouhamed-ali-guedria/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Gyemanga M. D. & Emeagwalib O. L. (2020). The roles of dynamic capabilities, innovation, organizational agility and knowledge management on competitive performance in telecommunication industry. Management Science Letters, 10(1): 1533–1542 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Haycock L. & Hava C. (2022). Job sharing could be your company’s competitive advantage – here’s how to get it right. Retrieved from: https://www.hrmonline.com.au/section/ strategic-hr/job-sharing-competitive-advantage/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Herrity J. (2023). Everything You Need to Known about Job Sharing Opportunity. Retrieved from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-sharing [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Höse, K., Amaral, A., Götze, U., & Peças, P. (2023). Manufacturing Flexibility through Industry 4.0 Technological Concepts—Impact and Assessment. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 24(2), 271–289. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Idowu, S. A. (2020). Role of Flexible Working Hours’ Arrangement on Employee Job Performance and Retention in Manufacturing Industries in Agbara, Nigeria. Economic Insights – Trends and Challenges, 10(68):24-37. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Janza N.. (2024). What is flexitime (flexible work) and what are its advantages and disadvantages? Retrieved from https://www.spica.com/blog/flexitime-advantages-disadvantages/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. KRATZ G. (2024). HOW TO BUILD A FLEXIBLE WORK ENVIRONMENT THAT THRIVES. RETRIEVED FROM: HTTPS://WWW.FLEXJOBS.COM/EMPLOYER-BLOG/HOW-BUILD-A-FLEXIBLE-WORK-ENVIRONMENT-THRIVES/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Kurdy D. M., Al-Malkawi H. A. N. & Rizwan S. (2023). The impact of remote working on employee productivity during COVID-19 in the UAE: the moderating role of job level. Journal of Business and Socio-economic Development, 3(4): 339-352 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. MADELL R. (2024). CREATE A MORE FLEXIBLE WORK ENVIRONMENT. RETRIEVED FROM: HTTPS://WWW.FLEXJOBS.COM/EMPLOYER-BLOG/CREATE-A-MORE-FLEXIBLE-WORK-ENVIRONMENT/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Mafeng D. G. & Okechukwu L. E. (2020). The roles of dynamic capabilities, innovation, organizational agility and knowledge management on competitive performance in telecommunication industry. Management Science Letters 10 (1): 1533–1542 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Martínez-Sánchez Á., Vela-Jimenez M., Abella-Garces S. & Gorgemans S. (2019). Flexibility and innovation: Moderator effects of cooperation and dynamism. Pers. Rev. 48(1): 1548–1564. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. MAVERICK J. B. HOWARD E. & VELASQUEZ V. (2024). SIX BENEFITS OF WORKING PART TIME INSTEAD OF FULL TIME. RETRIEVED FROM: HTTPS://WWW.INVESTOPEDIA.COM/ARTICLES/PROFESSIONALS/ 102115/6-BENEFITS-WORKING-PART-TIME-INSTEAD-FULL-TIME.ASP#:~:TEXT=PART-TIME%20PREMIUMS. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. MENDOCA P. & KOUGIANNOU N. K. (2024). EXPLORING THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF WORK AND EMPLOYMENT: THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY, FLEXIBILITY, AND REGULATION. BUSINESS, 5(2): 14-34. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Mukherjee S. & Narang D. (2023). Digital economy and work-from-home: The rise of home offices amidst the COVID-19 outbreak in India. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 14(2), 924-945. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Ni, G.; Xu, H.; Cui, Q.; Qiao, Y.; Zhang, Z.; Li, H.; Hickey, P.J (2021). Influence Mechanism of Organizational Flexibility on Enterprise Competitiveness: The Mediating Role of Organizational Innovation. Sustainability, 13(1): 176 – 199 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. Nwekpa K.C., Offor P. G. & Ezezue, B. O. (2020). Work Schedule Flexibility and Employee Commitment: A Study Of Nigerian Breweries, Ama, Enugu, Nigeria. A Study Of -Nigerian Breweries, Ama, Enugu, Nigeria [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. OKREGLICKA M., MITTA P. & NAVICKAS V. (2023). EXPLORING THE MECHANISMS LINKING PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT, AUTONOMY, RISK TAKING, COMPETITIVE AGGRESSIVENESS AND CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INNOVATIVENESS. SUSTAINABILITY, 15(1): 34-52. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. Oluwatayo, A. A., & Adetoro, O. (2020). Influence of employee attributes, work context and human resource management practices on employee job engagement. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 21(4), 295–308. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. Schleier-Smith J., Sreekanti V., Khandelwal A., Carreira J., Yadwadkar N. J., Popa R.A., Gonzalez J.E., Stoica I. & Patterson D.A. (2021). What serverless computing is and should become: The next phase of cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 64(5), 76-84. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. Silungwe S. (2022). The Effect of Remote Working on Employees Performance amidst Corona Virus Pandemic: A Case of Selected Organizations in Chipata District, Zambi. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 5(12): 1-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. Smith, P., & Johnson, A. (2023). The Economic Benefits of Remote Work: A Comparative Analysis. Harvard Business Review. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. Song, H.; Zhu, F.; Klakegg, O.J.; Wang, P (2018). Relationship between contractual flexibility and contractor’s cooperative behavior. Int. J. Manag. Proj. Bus., 11(1): 382–405. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. Suzanne T. J. C. & Hala M. Z. (2024). The Effect of Remote Work on Employee Performance. Asian Business Research, 9(1): 1-18. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Suzanne T. J. C. & Hala M. Z. (2024). The Effect of Remote Work on Employee Performance. Asian Business Research, 9(1): 1-18. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Wesonga (2023). The Nexus Between Reward Management and Competitive Advantage. A Kenya Commercial Bank’ Suzanne T. J. C. & Hala M. Z. (2024). The Effect of Remote Work on Employee Performance. Asian Business Research, 9(1): 1-18. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
43. Wesonga (2023). The Nexus Between Reward Management and Competitive Advantage. A Kenya Commercial Bank’s Perspective. EUREKA: Social and Humanities, 1(6): 13-23 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
44. ZAINAL A. Y., YOUSUF H. & SALLOUM S. A. (2020). EXPLORE ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY CAPABILITIES ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS IN SUSTAINING. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND COMPUTER VISION. RETRIEVED FROM: HTTPS://LINK.SPRINGER.COM/CHAPTER/10.1007/978-3-030-44289-7_71 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
45. Zhang, X., De Pablos, P.O. & Xu, Q. (2021), "Culture effects on the knowledge sharing in multi‐ national virtual classes: A mixed method", Computers in Human Behavior, 31(1): 491‐ 98. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
46. Zhao J. (2023). The impact of remote working on communication. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Metropolia Business School International Busines and Logistics Bachelor’s Thesis. Retrieved from: https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/ 812184/Zhao_Jiaqi.pd [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Empowering SME Performance Through Social Media: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation in Malaysian Manufacturing SMEs
- Effective School Bullying Prevention Strategies: A Thematic Review
- Impact of Workplace Conflict on the Operational Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Enugu State.
- Towards Digital Financial Solutions: A Conceptual Model of SME Strategies and Strategic Development
- Effect of Work-Life Balance and Affective Commitment on Employee Performance in the Hotel Industry in Plateau State