Remote and Technology-Based Dialogic Development during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Positive and Negative Experiences, Challenges, and Learnings

Sirpa Syvänen and Kaija Loppela
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Sirpa Syvänen: Work Research Center, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33014 Tampere, Finland
Kaija Loppela: School of Health Care and Social Work Seinäjoki, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Kampusranta 11, 60320 Seinäjoki, Finland

Challenges, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-24

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the challenges, learning experiences, and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a social, healthcare, and special education development project financed by the European Social Fund. The theoretical framework of the project relied on the theories of dialogic development and leadership. The method was participatory action research using data collected from various assessments and a questionnaire. Reports of neutral, negative, and positive experiences among two participant groups of the project—the implementers and pilot organizations—in remote work, devices and applications, and remote and technology-based development processes, were recorded. Both participant groups reported increased pressure at work, social isolation, professional loneliness, and improved work control and efficiency. The pilots have learned the development method, and development has been able to continue by utilizing technology despite the pandemic. Development through technology was more difficult, and new dialogic interaction tools have been created. The project was most effective with regard to leadership, teams, renewal, and information flow. There is a need for wide-ranging dialogues with various working life actors when outlining the ways in which future work will be carried out and to reflect on how remote work, technology, and digitalization affect well-being at work, social relations, and leadership.

Keywords: dialogic development; participatory action research; remote and technology-driven workplace development; well-being at work; productivity; renewal; multi-actor assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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