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The Electronic Journal for Virtual Organizations and Networks
Volume 9, Special Issue “The Limits of Virtual Work”, July 2007
VIRTUAL AND MOBILE WORK AT NOKIA
Outi Vuorio
Nokia Oyj
outi.vuorio@nokia.com
ABSTRACT
The case study of virtual and mobile work at Nokia stems from an invitation to present an example of an
organization that faces limits of virtual work but yet, is operating in a virtual manner and utilizing the
latest technologies to make it successful. This case description aims at shedding light into Nokia’s
virtual working practices, technologies supporting them and the increasing importance of adapting to
these new practices as part of the business as usual operations.
Virtual and mobile work is daily practice at Nokia already today. However, there are challenges which
need to be addressed to make it even more successful. An organization can support this paradigm
change from traditional office work to virtual work by various means like strengthening the company
culture, agreeing on the common work practices. Moreover, technology is seen as one enabler and also
driver for improved work practices. It seems that there are currently emerging disruptive technologies,
social media among others, which are here to stay and thus, likely to change the way we work and
collaborate. The virtual work has its limits but they can be overcome – both in terms of human behavior
and technological support.
Keywords: Mobile Work, Virtual Work, Collaboration, Social media
Outi Vuorio
eJOV – Volume 9, Special Issue “The Limits of Virtual Work”, July 2007.
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INTRODUCTION
The theme “limits of virtual work” suggests challenges. However, it is evident that one