Emergence of new legal and regulatory mechanisms for the internet workforce

Abstract

[Abstract]: Gartner Research suggests that many CEOs are interested to gain insights into existing and emerging legal frameworks for the Internet workforce. The main objective of gaining such insights is in order to develop enterprise’s management strategies suited to these legal frameworks that have a profound impact on organisations. In recent months, the behaviour of the workforce has come under scrutiny because of the increased use of various devices used to enable connecting to the Internet, and the cost associated with such connectivity. As these devices provide mobility to the workforce, they remove the distinction between private and professional workplaces, and facilitate the workforce to adapt their work styles according to external conditions in a flexible manner. These ‘flexible’ aspects have forced enterprises to support their work force with devices, tools, processes and collaborative internal and external frameworks in order to achieve efficiency. However, in real life environment, some of these frameworks may conflict with domestic and international laws, union agreements and other individual employment contracts. In the Internet domain, these issues also vary by regions, economic conditions and cultural attitudes. This paper provides a theoretical framework on these legal and regulatory issues specific to the Internet workforce. © 2004 The Internet Business Review