| Since the availability of remote access technology, most companies have adopted telecommuting as part of business operations. Although some research has identified policies and procedures when individuals telecommute, limited research exists about existing policies and procedures for telecommuters. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive research study was to explore what policies are in place to protect proprietary and individual information when employees are allowed to work away from the office. The sample consisted of 20 information technology leaders from five industries; four information technology leaders from each industry participated. The industries included finance, health-care, automotive, technology, and airline companies from Fortune 500 companies within a 100-mile radius from the Dallas Metroplex. The key findings of this study confirm earlier studies that (a) information technology leaders need to be held accountable to provide adequate security on the equipment used by telecommuters, and (b) leaders granting telecommuting privileges must ensure that they assign the privileges to the appropriate individuals. |
