The digital pivot: Qualitative insights into dynamic capabilities and the experiences of remote workers in emerging countries

Abstract

In the wake of rapid technological advancements and the proliferation of remote work practices, understanding the dynamic capabilities of firms and individuals has become crucial. Teece (2007) defines dynamic capabilities as the ability of an enterprise to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal and external competencies to address rapidly changing environments. This research focuses on the nuanced experiences of remote workers in emerging countries, exploring how these experiences influence and are influenced by the dynamic capabilities framework. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, this study conducted in-depth interviews with remote workers across various sectors in selected emerging nations, including Indonesia, Ukraine, Brazil, China, India, Morocco, and developed countries such as Norway, the UK, and Austria. The findings reveal the intricate ways in which remote workers perceive, adapt to, and shape dynamic capabilities within their professional environments. The research uncovers a duality of opportunities and challenges presented by the digital era. While remote work offers unprecedented flexibility and access to global markets, it also demands continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience. Significant insights were drawn from the adaptation strategies of educational institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as discussed by Renz and Hilbig (2023), highlighting the broader applicability of dynamic capabilities beyond corporate settings. The study underscores the importance of sensing, seizing, and transforming—key dimensions of dynamic capabilities—in navigating the digital landscape. Proficiency in digital tools for collaboration and communication is essential for remote workers to sense opportunities and respond effectively to collaboration needs. Continuous learning and organizational support are pivotal in seizing emerging opportunities, while managing work-life balance and preparing for hybrid work models exemplify the transformation dimension. This research contributes to the academic discourse by bridging theoretical concepts with empirical evidence, offering a real-world perspective on the application and challenges of dynamic capabilities theory in a digitalized economy. It emphasizes the need for adaptive organizational strategies and informed policymaking to develop sustainable remote work models. The findings carry profound implications for organizational strategies, policy formulation, and future research on enduring remote work paradigms within the constantly evolving digital economy. By capturing the lived experiences of remote workers and highlighting the strategic importance of dynamic capabilities, this study provides a foundational blueprint for harnessing the full potential of remote work in emerging markets. It advocates for a symbiotic growth strategy where businesses anticipate and shape change, fostering a resilient, innovative, and forward-looking approach to remote work.

Na esteira dos rápidos avanços tecnológicos e do aumento das práticas de trabalho remoto, a compreensão das capacidades dinâmicas das empresas e dos indivíduos tornou-se fundamental. Teece (2007) definiu capacidades dinâmicas como “a capacidade da empresa de integrar, construir e reconfigurar competências internas e externas para lidar com ambientes em rápida mudança”. Tendo como pano de fundo os países emergentes, onde os ecossistemas tecnológicos e as culturas de trabalho estão interligados de forma única, esta investigação investiga profundamente as experiências dos trabalhadores remotos que navegam na paisagem digital. Utilizando uma abordagem de investigação qualitativa, este estudo realizou entrevistas aprofundadas com trabalhadores remotos em vários setores em países emergentes selecionados. As descobertas revelam nuances intrincadas de como os trabalhadores remotos percebem, se adaptam e influenciam as capacidades dinâmicas dentro dos seus domínios profissionais. Eles lançam luz sobre os desafios, oportunidades e estratégias adaptativas empregadas diante de uma economia digitalizada. No centro das narrativas está a dualidade de oportunidades e desafios que a era digital apresenta. Embora o trabalho remoto ofereça flexibilidade e acesso sem precedentes aos mercados globais, também exige aprendizagem contínua, adaptabilidade e resiliência. Como enfatizaram Teece, Pisano e Shuen (1997), a essência das capacidades dinâmicas reside em “detectar e então aproveitar novas oportunidades, e manter a competitividade através do aprimoramento, combinação, proteção e, quando necessário, reconfiguração dos ativos intangíveis e tangíveis da empresa”. ." Este estudo contribui com uma nova perspectiva ao capturar as experiências vividas por trabalhadores remotos em países emergentes, oferecendo insights sobre a aplicação no mundo real e os desafios da teoria das capacidades dinâmicas na era digital. As descobertas têm implicações significativas para estratégias organizacionais, elaboração de políticas e pesquisas futuras sobre modelos sustentáveis de trabalho remoto numa economia digital em constante evolução.