Communicative Tensions in Remote Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Environmental changes can render latent organizational tensions salient, and tensions can be viewed as a lens through which to study the social interactions of organizational actors. This study aims to uncover what kinds of tensions and their entanglements arise in knowledge workers’ collaboration and technology-mediated communication practices during a transition to remote work. The qualitative dataset was collected through an open-ended online survey at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 from 569 remote workers, and the data were analyzed iteratively according to thematic content analysis methods and applying elements of contrapuntal analysis. The findings indicate emerging tensions and their entanglements in knowledge workers’ remote work and technology-mediated communication practices, here manifesting in process-, task-, and relationship-oriented interactions. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for how entangled tensions in remote work could be managed to support effective communication, collaboration, and employee well-being during and beyond the pandemic situation.

The Power of Digital Communication in Scaling Remote Engineering Teams: An Interview-Based Study on Cultural Diversity and Challenges in Telecommuting

“…Others experienced difficulties in expanding social networks and establishing connections. However, it also stated that digital communication does not always hinder relationships; it could also enable them since for some people it helps them to feel closer to others who are located in distant places (Suortti & Sivunen, 2023). In addition, the unequal distribution of ICT infrastructure poses challenges in establishing an effective home-based work environment, especially in developing countries (Matli & Wamba, 2023).…”