Thematic analysis investigating the impact of remote working during Covid-19 pandemic on communication and face-to-face interaction.

Gernandizo, Jonnabelle (2022) Thematic analysis investigating the impact of remote working during Covid-19 pandemic on communication and face-to-face interaction. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

During the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic, a sudden shift to remote working were enforced and adapted by many organizations worldwide. Research have shown that working environment has raised concerns regarding the ability of organizations to operate at the same level as before the pandemic. It was unclear how the introduction of these changes will impact employees engagement, motivation and productivity. This study will aim to identify and investigate the effect of the transition to remote working have on the effectiveness of communication and the importance of face-to-face interaction in developing trust and relationship within a team. This study also aims to understand the possible influence of these factors to the future structure of work settings.

Based on a review of the literature on remote working and theories on communication and face-to face interaction, a semi-structured interview was conducted to individuals who have adapted to remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic. Identifying the negative and positive impact based on the participants’ experience and perspective.

A thematic analysis of the interviews demonstrated the impact on communication and an overall positive experience from working remotely. The research shows that many participants were satisfied with the ICT (Information and communication technologies) provided by their companies. However, the results also suggest that the effectiveness of communication still highly depends on the effort and engagement of the individuals involved. As identified in the analysis, hybrid work setting is preferred by all participants. Allowing employees to have flexibility and not feel forced to work back in the office can increase morale and motivation.

The results of this study can help improve the development and implementation of change management. Allowing people professionals, HR functions and management to drive effective change by facilitating the transition and adaptation stage with the overall aim of achieving a positive experience for the employees.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Killian, Michelle UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Management of Change H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Business Communication > Internal Communication H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Quality of Work Life / Job Satisfaction H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Hours of Labour > Flexible work arrangements > Telecommuting
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in International Business
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	21 Mar 2023 14:39
Last Modified:	22 Mar 2023 12:48
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6364

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