To telework or not to telework: Does the macro context matter? A signalling theory analysis of employee interpretations of telework in times of turbulence

How do workers make sense of telework and respond to it in turbulent times? This study a consultancy firm Spain, during the 2008 financial crisis, explores employee interpretations context major macro-economic disruption. We draw on signalling theory consider as signal sent by organisation argue that environment which occurs changes employees' interpretations. While is generally understood an employee-centred practice, we find economic crisis also interpreted potential threat for employees. Therefore, meaning not predetermined, but continually shaped socially considering events beyond boundaries firm. propose adopting social constructivist view human resource (HR) practices objects experienced within their wider contexts. shed new light HR studies offering insights relevance interpreting messages, bring forth concept “external fit”.