Hidden costs in the managerial practices of remote working and digital transformation in Ericsson

Abstract: Date: 1st of June, 2022 Level: Master thesis in Business Administration, 15 cr Institution: School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University Authors: Orkhan Aslanov (1998/01/12) Muhammad Faisal Bin Zainal Fitri (1995/09/26) Title: Hidden costs in the managerial practices of remote working and digital transformation in Ericsson Supervisor: Edward Gillmore Keywords: Digital transformation, Remote working, Competences, Managerial practices, Pandemic Research question: What are the hidden costs in the implementation of digital tools for remote working and what kind of competences have managers developed to overcome challenges? Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to expand the horizons of what is currently understood within remote working regarding managerial practices in organizations by analyzing the emerging hidden costs of digital implementation for remote working in a Nordic-based organization as well to contribute to the limited existing research within this area. Method: The study follows qualitative analysis and the data was collected by conducting seven semi-structured online interviews with managers working at Ericsson's headquarters office in Stockholm. The thematic analysis approach is used which resulted in five themes: digital transformation, remote working, implications, competence development, and managerial practices. Conclusion: This study concludes with managers’ perspectives that Ericsson has successfully undertaken the digital transformation and remote working during the pandemic. Identifying hidden costs of the process helped the company to adapt its competence development and managerial practices.