On the other hand, manufacturing work would be more difficult to carry out using a telework system. Factories were set up because of the transaction costs from negotiating prices for the components, arranging for integration of the parts, correcting errors in the production specification that arose from ineffectively communicated or executed requirements and so on. However, these days, the very technologies that facilitate teleworking are also reducing these transaction costs. As such, whilst we are certain to see an increased incidence of teleworking in knowledge work, we may also see more outsourcing of the production of manufacturing components. Prison workers cannot yet work from home, although with the wider use of electronic tagging, they could in the future monitor and apprehend offenders who break curfews from their home.
Teleworking does require a change in the way remote staff are managed.
Clearly, direct supervision and observation of work output and behavior is thankfully no longer possible in a teleworking environment. Managers who supervise, monitor and enforce will thankfully be replaced by mentors- who lead by example, motivate and support. The focus will be on results achieved rather than mere presence in an office.