How is telework changing the work in public organizations? Managers have their say

Abstract

The rapid diffusion of telework is reshaping organizations’ operations and functioning, yet research on its impact on public organizations remains scarce. Given their higher bureaucratization and supervisory control levels, public organizations can face unique challenges. This study draws upon research on flexible work arrangements and new ways of working within human resource management and organizational behavior. It examines how telework has been changing the work in Brazilian public organizations, focusing on managers' experiences. Managers leading teleworkers from various public entities within the Brazilian Federal Executive Power participated in this research. Data were collected through online focus groups and analyzed with content analysis. The findings indicate alterations in the informal and spontaneous aspects of communication and socio-professional relationships, performance management practices and tools, and management paradigms, which shift from presence-based control and rigid supervision to performance monitoring and increased employee autonomy. This study contributes to the literature on the future of work by highlighting the interactions between information technologies, work and management in the context of public organizations. It concludes by raising pertinent issues for future research.