Does Workspace Design Influence Where Academics Work?
44 Pages Posted: 20 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study contributes to the literature on the organization of academic work by examining the links between workspace design and academics’ daily work. Although understanding these links is crucial for effectively managing university spaces, scientific research on this topic lags. Following the existing literature, we conceptualize academics’ workspaces through four building blocks of spatial design (i.e., physical structure, distance, workplace arrangements, and spatial scale). We then analyze whether and how these four building blocks influence academics’ decisions regarding where to work. Empirically, this study relies on a unique dataset of Italian academics. The findings highlight the relevance of home-university distance and workplace arrangements in drawing academics to the campus, while the influence of physical structure and spatial scale is meager.
Keywords: Workspace Design, Organizational Space, University Campuses, Academic Work.
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