Original Research

The experience of work in a call centre environment

Sanet Hauptfleisch, J S Uys
SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | Vol 32, No 2 | a231 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v32i2.231 | © 2006 Sanet Hauptfleisch, J S Uys | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 29 October 2006 | Published: 29 October 2006

About the author(s)

Sanet Hauptfleisch, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
J S Uys, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

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Abstract

This qualitative research study explored the work experience in a call centre environment in an information technology call centre based in South Africa, which service foreign customers exclusively. Three data collection methods were used, namely narratives, in-depth interviews with call centre consultants, and observation. Following a grounded theory approach, four themes were elicited, namely the perceptions of team members, uncertainty created by a constantly changing environment, perceived distances due to management practices, and depersonalisation experienced while actually dealing with customers. In addition to this, the reported impact of these themes on work performance was explored and compared to existing research.

Keywords

Call centre; Customer service industry; Experience of work

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Crossref Citations

1. The job demands-resources model of work engagement in South African call centres
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