Summary Larson, B. Z., Vroman, S. R., & Makarius, E. E. (2020)
Summary Larson, B. Z., Vroman, S. R., & Makarius, E. E. (2020)
Summary Larson, B. Z., Vroman, S. R., & Makarius, E. E. (2020)
Vroman, and Makarius, published in 2020, addresses the challenges and strategies involved in
managing remote teams, a topic that has gained unprecedented relevance due to the global
shift towards remote work triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper serves as both a
practical guide for managers transitioning to remote supervision and a scholarly piece that
consolidates existing research while offering new insights into remote work dynamics.
Literature Review and Context: The authors begin by examining the existing literature on
remote work, which has traditionally emphasized the benefits and challenges from the
perspective of remote employees, such as increased flexibility and potential isolation.
However, there is less focus on the managerial perspective, particularly in sudden transition
scenarios. The article integrates theories from organizational behavior and communication to
set the context of their argument, noting that the shift to remote work is not merely a logistical
change but also a fundamental shift in how work is conceptualized and executed.
Authors’ Argument: Larson, Vroman, and Makarius argue that effective management of
remote workers requires more than just replicating in-office practices in a digital environment.
Instead, they propose that managers need to develop new competencies and adapt their
leadership styles to address the unique demands of remote work. This includes fostering trust
without physical supervision, maintaining team cohesion, and ensuring clear communication.
Main Points: The main point the authors make is that the transition to remote work, while
challenging, provides an opportunity for managers to rethink and improve their management
practices. They emphasize that the success of remote work depends significantly on the ability
of managers to adjust to the nuances of virtual leadership, including understanding the
individual needs of their team members and leveraging technology to maintain productivity
and engagement.
Findings: The paper presents findings from a combination of case studies and surveys
conducted with organizations that have transitioned to remote work. Key findings include:
1. Managers who proactively set expectations and communicated clearly about tasks and
responsibilities saw higher productivity and satisfaction levels among their remote
teams.
2. Regular virtual check-ins and the use of collaborative technologies were critical in
maintaining team cohesion and alignment.
3. Personalized management approaches, which consider the varying home environments
and personal circumstances of employees, were essential in minimizing stress and
burnout.
Conclusion: The article concludes that managing remote workers effectively requires a shift
in managerial mindset from oversight to empowerment. The authors suggest that the future of
work will likely include a hybrid model combining remote and in-office elements, making it
crucial for today's managers to master the art of remote team management. By doing so,
organizations can not only navigate the current crisis but also emerge more resilient and
adaptable in the face of future challenges.