Samenvatting

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the work environment on produc-tivity and the mediating effect of the ability to communicate and concentrate on work (CoCon), and to contribute to the repertory of qualitative methods and techniques. Qualitative methods in Facility Management (FM) research provide rich information and add to the existing body of knowledge. This study’s strength is that it applies researcher triangulation during data collection and analysis. In this study, 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted at nine different organizations in the Netherlands. Interviews, which focused on productivity in traditional offices and activity-based office environments. These interviews were conducted in pairs by honours students and the author. Rigor application of postpositivistic evaluation criteria results in high construct and internal validity of the study. Data analysis by different researchers revealed serious threats to validity. Hence, interrater agreement (IRA) was measured to assess the degree of agreement between raters. It was found that the effect of the work environment on ability to CoCon was strong. The direct effect of the work environment on productivity was weak, as well as the mediating effect of the ability to CoCon. However, all effects are more distinct in innovative offices, in comparison to traditional offices. Use of productivity as a predictor construct is obsolete. It neglects effectiveness, quality of goods and services, quality of work life and innovation. Qualitative research can overcome this omission by falsification. Reductionism, use of a Computer Aided Qualitative Data Analysis System (CAQDAS), researcher triangulation and newly developed visualisation techniques improve the validity and reliability of the current study. Moreover, rigor application of such methodological techniques is a showcase for FM research and enhances scholarly knowledge. Management implications and directions for future research will be given, e.g. management attention to an integral approach to office innovation and the ability to concentrate at work.