The Lack of Social Interaction in the Full-time Remote Work Environment and Career Development

Date

9-17-2026

Department

Graduate School of Business

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management (PhD)

Chair

Vincent Havrilko

Keywords

remote work, career development, social interaction, workplace relationships, leadership, professional visibility, networking, technology-mediated communication, social isolation, Social Cognitive Career Theory

Disciplines

Business

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore the lack of social interaction in the full-time remote work environment and its influence on career development for remote workers at a U.S.-based financial services organization in Dallas, Texas. The theory that guided this study was social cognitive career theory. The central research question was, “What attributes of social interactions do remote workers perceive as assisting or hindering their career development?” Data collection consisted of semistructured interviews with nonmanagerial remote workers, a focus group with managers, and anonymous open-ended survey responses and reflective journaling from all participants. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. Findings indicated that participants perceived intentional social interactions as important for career development. The five themes that emerged from the study were workplace relationships and connection, leadership influence, visibility and networking, technology and communication, and flexibility versus isolation.

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