Paper Number
1648
Paper Type
Complete Research Paper
Abstract
This paper investigates the factors that intrinsically and extrinsically motivate individuals to start, continue, and eventually abandon digital nomadism (DN). Based on self-determination theory, we use a grounded theory approach to analyze interviews with 15 digital nomads. We find that the main factors that motivate individuals to start DN are the desire to change careers, nomadic wanderlust, and the possibility of working remotely. Individuals continue with DN, as long as they find fulfillment in DN, express a certain degree of entrepreneurialism, and engage with the digital nomad community. Individuals abandon DN if one of the factors motivating them to continue vanishes or if they settle down due to family reasons. Based on our findings, we develop a lifecycle that showcases the archetypical beginning, maturation, and termination of DN. Our study adds to research on digital nomads by offering insights into the major motivations across all stages of DN.
Recommended Citation
Hensellek, Simon; Weißwange, Jonah; de Groot, Julius Maximilian; and Oers, Nahrin, "The Digital Nomad Lifecycle: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations to Start, Maintain, and Abandon Digital Nomadism" (2024). ECIS 2024 Proceedings. 4.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2024/track05_fow/track05_fow/4
The Digital Nomad Lifecycle: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations to Start, Maintain, and Abandon Digital Nomadism
This paper investigates the factors that intrinsically and extrinsically motivate individuals to start, continue, and eventually abandon digital nomadism (DN). Based on self-determination theory, we use a grounded theory approach to analyze interviews with 15 digital nomads. We find that the main factors that motivate individuals to start DN are the desire to change careers, nomadic wanderlust, and the possibility of working remotely. Individuals continue with DN, as long as they find fulfillment in DN, express a certain degree of entrepreneurialism, and engage with the digital nomad community. Individuals abandon DN if one of the factors motivating them to continue vanishes or if they settle down due to family reasons. Based on our findings, we develop a lifecycle that showcases the archetypical beginning, maturation, and termination of DN. Our study adds to research on digital nomads by offering insights into the major motivations across all stages of DN.
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