Published 2025-10-29
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward remote work, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors. This study investigates the challenges and strategies of managing distributed teams in Latin America, a region marked by cultural diversity and infrastructure disparity. Based on semi-structured interviews with 45 managers across Chile, Brazil, and Colombia, this qualitative study examines leadership approaches, communication strategies, and employee engagement in remote settings. Results indicate that Latin American managers face unique issues including unreliable internet, informal work norms, and varying digital proficiencies. Effective remote leaders were found to adopt empathy-driven leadership, flexible goal-setting, and frequent feedback mechanisms. A hybrid approach combining asynchronous and synchronous communication was most effective. The paper also introduces the concept of cultural digital fluency—the ability to navigate cultural and technical barriers in virtual environments. The findings offer practical recommendations for training programs and HR policy redesign in the era of hybrid work. This research adds valuable regional insight to the global literature on remote leadership