The different shades of co-working spaces: How culture change explains the market rules

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing a deeper understanding of the links between the multiple layers in organizational culture and the different Co-working characteristics. The research presented here develops a new taxonomy of Co-working spaces by integrating results from qualitative semi-structured interviews supported by previous theoretical and empirical research. We conducted interviews with 44 owners or founders of co-working spaces. A thematic analysis revealed three different approaches to co-working, namely a profit-oriented perspective, a community-oriented perspective and a hybrid pattern that combines both perspectives. Drawing upon the interaction models, our findings contribute to a better understanding of different Co-working cultures in an increasingly competitive market. Accordingly, future research should validate the proposed model with complimentary methodologies (e.g. questionnaires) and longitudinal designs to track how Co-working culture persists or changes over time.