Navigating the New Normal

Abstract: Title: Navigating the New Normal - A Qualitative Study on the Evolving Role of Managers in the Transition to a Hybrid Work Model Seminar date: June 2nd 2023 Course: FEKH49, Degree Project Undergraduate level, Business Administration, Undergraduate level, 15 University Credits Points (UPC) or ECTS‐ cr) Authors: Adam Östbergh, Rasmus Jelonek, Vera Woelfer Advisor: Nadja Sörgärde Key words: Hybrid Work Model, Manager role, Leadership, Knowledge-Intensive Work Purpose of study: The purpose of this study is to contribute to a greater understanding of the change of the managerial role in knowledge-intensive firms as organizations transfer into a more hybrid work model. Research Question: ​​How has the role of the manager changed in the transition to a hybrid work model? Methodology: In order to address the purpose of this study, a qualitative research method was conducted. Ten interviews with a semi-structured character were held with managers with more than five years of managerial experience. The study thereby adopts a constructionist perspective and an inductive approach. Theoretical perspectives: This study is positioned within the spectrum of research on managerial work and in the context of a hybrid work structure. Multiple concepts and dimensions are presented and more significant focus lay with Mintzberg’s (1973) model on managerial roles. Empirical foundation: The empirical data is collected through ten qualitative interviews and highlights the managers perceived changes of their role as managers. The rich material generated a lot of insights and eventually crystallized into interesting trends and patterns. Conclusions: The study has shown how the role as manager in knowledge-intensive work indeed has changed when transitioning into a hybrid work model. The new context has brought various implications and perceived need to adapt one's managerial efforts in order to ensure a beneficial organizational outcome.