University|09-09-2024

Digital Nomads

Abstract:

Digitalization and globalization have stimulated the emergence of digital nomadism as a lifestyle that combines work with constant travel. To address the shortage of skilled employees, a growing number of organizations has to consider to work with digital nomads as external service providers. However, little is known yet about why individuals choose to break out of organizational constraints and become constant travelers in the first place. We address this research gap and aim to identify the motives for choosing a digital nomad lifestyle. To this end, we conduct a netnography study on 3,000 online posts from digital nomad communities. Using the Gioia method, we find several repelling and attracting work-related and leisure/travel-related motives and a combination of both. We discuss the implications of these findings for organizations and future research opportunities.

Reference:

Tiberius, V., Chen, N., Bartels, M., & von der Oelsnitz, D. (2024). Breaking out! A netnography study on motives of a digital nomad lifestyle. Technology in Society, 78, 102678. doi:10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102678