Reproducing clan mechanisms of control in hybrid work

Hybrid work challenges organisational control. This article contributes to current research by asking how control can be reproduced in clan-like organisations where its reproduction has traditionally built on face-to-face encounters between organisation members and where the organisations are not ready to limit remote work or deploy digital surveillance for those working remotely. Examining knowledge workers at two Finnish software companies, the article shows how three types of challenges for clan mechanisms of control – the decline in face-to-face encounters, communication problems in online encounters and less participation in organisational rituals – have come to pass at the companies following the pandemic. To bridge the ‘control deficit’ due to increased remote work, three viable policy options available for clan-like organisations are suggested with implications for management–worker relationships.