Exploring the impact of hybrid work in the software sector through the lens of self-determination theory
Sugathadasa, Kasuni Gayanthika (2025)
Diplomityö
2025
School of Engineering Science, Tietotekniikka
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025061971981
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025061971981
Tiivistelmä
The modern workplace, particularly for industries heavily reliant on technology, has shifted toward a hybrid working environment. This study considers the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a motivation theory that explains the importance of autonomy (the extent to which one has freedom in their own behavior), relatedness (the extent to which one is connected to others), and competency (the extent to which one is effective and capable of performing activities). With the perspective of this theory, this study examines how hybrid work influences the professional growth, job satisfaction, and overall well-being of Scrum Masters in the software industry. Data are collected through interviews with ten Scrum Masters, consisting of both male and female Scrum Masters in the software industry.
Although remote flexibility enables autonomy and work-life balance, it can limit team integration and networking, which may hinder relatedness and professional development. Such findings bring the need for organizations to adopt an inclusive strategy to address such challenges and create an enabling environment for Scrum Masters in the software industry.
In the hybrid environment, it improves autonomy in planning, scheduling, and prioritizing tasks, while also improving decision-making capability through collaborative team environments. Digital tools help to bridge the gap between in-person meetings. Further, a hybrid environment provides flexibility in accessing learning and training resources. However, it also requires considering challenges such as project instability, technical limitations, and unclear boundaries between work and personal life. Therefore, incorporating these findings into recommendations for organizational policy improvements in a hybrid working environment may enable a more inclusive experience of hybrid work in the future.
Although remote flexibility enables autonomy and work-life balance, it can limit team integration and networking, which may hinder relatedness and professional development. Such findings bring the need for organizations to adopt an inclusive strategy to address such challenges and create an enabling environment for Scrum Masters in the software industry.
In the hybrid environment, it improves autonomy in planning, scheduling, and prioritizing tasks, while also improving decision-making capability through collaborative team environments. Digital tools help to bridge the gap between in-person meetings. Further, a hybrid environment provides flexibility in accessing learning and training resources. However, it also requires considering challenges such as project instability, technical limitations, and unclear boundaries between work and personal life. Therefore, incorporating these findings into recommendations for organizational policy improvements in a hybrid working environment may enable a more inclusive experience of hybrid work in the future.