Zeinstra, Sybolt (2023) Digital Nomads and Perceived Professionalism. Bachelor thesis.
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Abstract
The global pandemic led to a reimagining of traditional work structures. The rise of digital nomads was facilitated by technological advancements and a desire for a flexible lifestyle. Digital nomads value their professional image, as it is important for getting projects and maintaining their desired lifestyle. Despite increasing research on digital nomads, there is a gap in understanding the connection between professionalism and the digital nomad lifestyle. Therefore, the research question seeks to explore the measures digital nomads must take to uphold their self-perceived professional image resulting in the following research question. RQ. What measures needed to be taken by digital nomads to uphold a professional image as perceived by themselves? A qualitative research method was employed to study professionalism among digital nomads. In-depth interviews were conducted with at least six digital nomads, lasting between 30 to 60 minutes. The interviews addressed sub-questions and were designed to elicit relevant responses. Facebook was used to identify interviewees, and snowballing was implemented to recruit additional participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and stored securely to ensure data protection and anonymity. A code tree was created to identify commonalities and differences between interviews, facilitating the analysis of the data. The findings from the interviews helped answer the research questions and contribute to a broader understanding of the topic. Regarding the difficulties faced by digital nomads, reliable internet access is mentioned as an absolute necessity by all interviewees. The ability to find a quiet and focused working environment is also important, with most preferring to work from their accommodation while some others use coworking spaces. Moving to different locations can present challenges in finding suitable working environments and adjusting to new routines. The freedom and independence of the digital nomad lifestyle allow them to focus on the skills they want to improve and learn from the diverse perspectives and knowledge of others they meet. In terms of professionalism, interviewees highlighted the importance of delivering quality work, effective communication with clients, and being well-rounded in terms of skills and interpersonal interactions. Appearance and having a professional background were also mentioned as factors contributing to professionalism. Trust was identified as a crucial element in maintaining professionalism for digital nomads due to the lack of contact moments between them and clients or employers. Despite suggestions in the literature that digital nomads should not mention their traveling lifestyles to maintain a professional image, all interviewees stated that they do not lie about their lifestyles with clients and employers. Being transparent about their location and lifestyle was seen as important for building and maintaining trust, which in turn provides the digital nomads with a professional image. Further research could be done on testing the trust between digital nomads and their employers or clients by conducting in-depth interviews with both digital nomads and employers or clients to experience both perspectives.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Human Geography and Planning |
| Supervisor: | Brouwer, A.E. |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Jul 2023 09:20 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jul 2023 09:20 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4256 |
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