Um estudo sobre os desafios e as estratégias adotadas por gestores de operações de tecnologia da informação durante o cenário da pandemia Covid-19

Abstract

This research presents a study conducted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the operation of Information Technology (IT) sectors in maintaining business activities during that period. The choice of the theme was motivated by the need to understand the repercussions of the pandemic on the organizational environment, with an emphasis on IT management and the strategies adopted. The main objective of the study is divided into identifying the main challenges faced and strategies adopted by IT operations managers and the profiles perceived in these leaderships in Serra Gaúcha during the pandemic. For this, based on the conceptualization of leadership and its main styles, and the identification of the fundamental characteristics of an information technology leader, a scale was used to assess leadership along with the collection of perceptions of IT managers in the Region. The research method is exploratory and descriptive, with a quantitative approach. To collect data, a survey was conducted targeting members of the IT managers group of Serra Gaúcha, involved in this study, in order to capture the perceptions of these managers about their behaviors in the face of the challenges imposed by the pandemic. A closed questionnaire was used, structured in four distinct sections, addressing the challenges and legacies of the IT area, the specific challenges of leadership during the pandemic, the evaluation of the managerial style, and demographic information of the respondents. This questionnaire was based on the Managerial Style Assessment Scale (EAEG), duly adapted to the specific context of the research. The research population included 78 respondents. The analysis of the results pointed out that the "Situational" leadership style was predominant among IT operation managers during the pandemic, which indicates adaptability to circumstances and team needs, characterizing a flexible and adjustable leadership approach and strategy to the challenges of the period. The "Relationship" construct was the second most relevant, underlining the importance of effective communication, empathy, emotional support, and the development of an environment of trust and mutual respect. In contrast, the "Task" construct, which focuses on technical aspects and the execution of tasks and goals, was considered less relevant. Therefore, there was a recognition of the appreciation of human relations and the ability to adapt to different circumstances, emphasizing that the well-being and resilience of the team are as important as achieving specific objectives. The study also highlights the specific challenges of IT management, such as rapid technological evolution, talent management, and information security, emphasizing the need for up-to-date IT leadership capable of leading their teams. Finally, the study suggests the need for continuous research on IT leadership styles, considering the post-pandemic context and the constantly evolving challenges faced by the sector. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]