Transformation of Organizational Structures In Remote Work Environments: A Qualitative Research In The Turkish Software Sector

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of remote work on organizational structures within the Turkish software sector through the lens of contingency theory and the information processing approach. Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a qualitative research approach and a multiple case study design to investigate the effects of remote work on organizational structures in depth. The sample consists of 32 firms operating in the Turkish software sector and actively implementing office, remote or hybrid working models. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with managers and expert-level employees selected through purposive sampling. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis with the support of the MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software. Both deductive and inductive approaches were employed throughout the analysis process. Findings: The findings indicate that remote work does not create a unidirectional transformation in organizational structures. Hierarchical structures have not completely disappeared; rather, their forms of accessibility and visibility have changed. The level of centralization varies depending on ownership structure and the degree of institutionalization. In addition, technology tools have become the primary determinants of information flow and coordination while simultaneously increasing formalization pressures. The hybrid model was identified as the most functionally balanced working arrangement. Originality: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that remote work does not automatically flatten organizational structures; instead, it generates a multidimensional transformation process that requires the redesign of decision rights, governance mechanisms, and coordination structures. Furthermore, the study conceptualizes technology tools not merely as supportive infrastructures, but as governance mechanisms shaping the production, circulation, and traceability of information.

Keywords

• Remote Work
• Organizational Structure
• Organizational Change and Transformation
• Digital Transformation
• Software Sector

Supporting Institution

This study was conducted within the scope of the Business Administration Doctoral Program at Başkent University.

Project Number

1

Ethical Statement

Within the scope of this study, all stages of the research process were conducted in accordance with the principles of scientific ethics. During the data collection, analysis, and reporting processes, the confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were protected, and the obtained data were used solely for academic purposes. There is no conflict of interest related to this research, and the study is original and has not been previously published elsewhere.

Thanks

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this study, especially my university professors, for their valuable support and guidance throughout the research process.

Uzaktan Çalışma Ortamlarında Organizasyonel Yapıların Değişimi ve Dönüşümü: Türkiye Yazılım Sektöründe Nitel Bir Araştırma

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, uzaktan çalışmanın organizasyonel yapılar üzerindeki etkilerini durumsallık teorisi ve bilgi işleme yaklaşımı çerçevesinde Türkiye yazılım sektörü özelinde incelemektir. Yöntem: Bu çalışma, uzaktan çalışmanın organizasyonel yapılar üzerindeki etkilerini derinlemesine incelemeyi amaçladığından nitel araştırma yaklaşımı benimsenmiş ve çoklu durum deseni kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemi, Türkiye yazılım sektöründe faaliyet gösteren ve ofis, uzaktan ya da hibrit çalışma modelini aktif olarak uygulayan 32 firmadan oluşmaktadır. Amaçlı örnekleme yöntemiyle seçilen bu firmalarda çalışan yönetici ve uzman pozisyonundaki katılımcılar ile yarı yapılandırılmış derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler tematik içerik analizi yöntemiyle analiz edilmiş; veri analizi sürecinde MAXQDA nitel veri analiz yazılımından yararlanılmıştır. Analiz sürecinde hem literatüre dayalı önceden belirlenmiş temalardan yararlanılan dedüktif yaklaşım hem de veriden türeyen yeni örüntülerin ortaya çıkarıldığı indüktif yaklaşım birlikte kullanılmıştır. Bulgular, uzaktan çalışmanın organizasyonel yapılar üzerinde tek yönlü bir dönüşüm yaratmadığını göstermektedir. Hiyerarşik yapıların tamamen ortadan kalkmadığı, ancak erişim ve görünürlük biçimlerinin değiştiği; merkeziyetçilik düzeyinin sahiplik yapısı ve kurumsallaşma düzeyine göre farklılaştığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca teknoloji araçlarının bilgi akışı ve koordinasyonun temel belirleyicisi haline gelirken biçimselleşmeyi artırdığı, hibrit modelin ise en işlevsel denge noktası olarak değerlendirildiği görülmüştür. Özgün Katkı: Bu çalışma, uzaktan çalışmanın organizasyonel yapıları otomatik olarak yataylaştırmadığını; aksine karar hakları, yönetişim ve koordinasyon mekanizmalarının yeniden tasarlanmasını gerektiren çok boyutlu bir dönüşüm süreci yarattığını ortaya koyarak literatüre özgün katkı sunmaktadır. Ayrıca teknoloji araçlarının yalnızca destekleyici altyapılar değil, bilginin üretimi, dolaşımı ve izlenebilirliğini şekillendiren yönetişim mekanizmaları olarak konumlandığını göstermektedir.

Keywords

• Uzaktan Çalışma
• Organizasyonel Yapı
• Organizasyonel Değişim ve Dönüşüm
• Dijital Dönüşüm
• Yazılım Sektörü

Supporting Institution

Başkent Üniversitesi İşletme Doktora Programı kapsamında gerçekleştirilmiştir.

Project Number

1

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma kapsamında araştırma sürecinin tüm aşamalarında bilimsel etik ilkelere uygun hareket edilmiştir. Veri toplama, analiz ve raporlama süreçlerinde katılımcıların gizliliği ve anonimliği korunmuş, elde edilen veriler yalnızca akademik amaçlarla kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada herhangi bir çıkar çatışması bulunmamaktadır ve çalışma özgün olup daha önce başka bir yerde yayımlanmamıştır.

Thanks

Başta üniversite hocalarım olmak üzere herkese teşekkürlerimi iletiyorum.

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