CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN REMOTE TEAMS : A Qualitative Study of Swedish Companies

Abstract: In recent years, remote work has been increasingly adopted globally, with manyorganizations adopting working in remote teams. Remote teams are a new phenomenon thathave unique challenges compared to traditional teams. Distance makes it more difficult tocommunicate and collaborate effectively which can lead to misunderstandings andmisinterpretation causing conflicts. There is existing literature specifically on conflictmanagement in remote teams but is to some extent out-of-date as technology has developed.This study aims to complement existing literature to better understand how conflicts inremote teams are best prevented and managed by answering the research question: “Whatare the unique challenges of conflict management in remote teams, main causes of conflictsin remote teams and how can they be resolved effectively?” This study had an inductive qualitative approach, utilizing interviews to answer our researchquestion. Six participants were interviewed, and the data was analyzed using a thematicanalysis. Our findings present unique challenges, with poor communication standing out asa primary concern causing conflicts. To overcome these challenges the findings concludesfour main strategies for leaders and managers to use in conflict management within remoteteams. These strategies are to enhance communication and provide structure, fosterinterpersonal connections and trust, practicing explicit management, and compromising asa method in conflict resolution