Janaïna GEOFFRAY, Messaouda BEN MESSAOUD

Paris Cité University, July 2024

Abstract

The rapid shift to hybrid and remote work models has significantly impacted technical communication, raising questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of decentralized technical writing. This research examines whether remote technical communication can be considered a digital utopia or if it faces substantial challenges that diminish its effectiveness. Through qualitative interviews with technical communicators and project managers, the study explores the influence of remote work on productivity, team cohesion, and documentation quality.
The findings reveal a complex landscape where the benefits of remote technical communication—such as increased flexibility and enhanced digital collaboration—are balanced against significant obstacles, including communication difficulties and inequitable access to resources. This study provides a nuanced understanding of the practical realities of decentralized technical communication, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the future of the field in a digital era. It offers insights into the viability of decentralized work models and their implications for the profession’s future.

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