Remote work challenges and opportunities: a focus on relational capital in public administration

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of remote working on intellectual capital, focusing on relational capital within public administration. The rapid adoption of digital technologies, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed organizational operations, particularly in how knowledge is managed and shared. Remote work has introduced challenges particularly in maintaining team cohesion, trust, and effective communication. Using a qualitative case study approach, including interviews and document analysis, this research explores how remote work influences relational capital, a critical component of intellectual capital, in a PA context. The study focuses on a specific municipality located in central Italy. Preliminary findings suggest that remote working seems to have had a more significant impact on relational capital than structural capital within PA. The transition to a virtual work environment has underscored the importance of robust relational networks and effective communication channels, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in sustaining organizational culture and collaboration. The study contributes to the literature by identifying key factors that facilitate or hinder the effective use of intellectual capital in a remote working environment and provides practical recommendations for enhancing collaboration, trust, and organizational effectiveness. Additionally, it offers theoretical insights into the dynamics of intellectual capital management in the digital age, particularly within the public sector.