Navigating the Remote Landscape: Practices and Perceptions of Remote IT Team Leaders : A Survey-Based Study on Team Leaders Working Remote in the European IT Industry

Abstract: The increasing prevalence of remote/virtual work arrangements, facilitated by advancements in technology, necessitates a deep understanding of the unique dynamics involved in managing remote teams. This master's thesis explored the role of leadership within remote/virtual working setups in the Information Technology industry in Europe. Specifically, it focused on the experiences, challenges, and perceptions of remote leaders. A quantitative survey was conducted to collect data, assessing elements such as the frequency and effectiveness of communication, satisfaction with team productivity, the difficulties of collaboration, anxiety in remote settings, and the perceived utility of project management software and collaboration tools.The research findings challenged certain preconceived notions. The study found no significant correlation between the frequency of remote work and the difficulty of conflict resolution, thereby challenging prior assumptions. However, a moderate positive correlation was observed between the difficulty of conflict resolution and communication, emphasizing the critical role of effective communication. Surprisingly, only a weak correlation was found between the perceived effectiveness of Project Management Software and team productivity satisfaction. While these findings offered valuable insights into the dynamics of remote/virtual teams, they had to be interpreted cautiously due to limitations such as sample size and diversity, as well as the non-causal nature of the study design. Nevertheless, these findings contribute to the evolving understanding of effective leadership within remote/virtual work settings—an aspect of the IT industry that had been becoming increasingly essential.