Managing team dynamics in modern supply chains operating in hybrid and remote environments, leveraging synergy and overcoming the social loafing effect

Purpose Supply chains (SCs) have evolved significantly post-COVID-19, with hybrid and remote work reshaping team interactions and coordination. This study investigates the impact of these changes on SC team dynamics, focusing on the social loafing effect and its functional implications across planning, logistics, procurement, supplier coordination and analytics-intensive roles. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was employed, using interviews with SC professionals to capture insights into team interactions, effort distribution and the effects of digitally mediated work environments. Thematic analysis identified structural and interpersonal factors influencing team performance and coordination across SC flows. Findings Social loafing in SC teams arises not solely from individual disengagement but also from misalignments in interpersonal relationships, structural clarity and digital coordination mechanisms. The study finds that roles with low task visibility and high information dependency, such as demand planning, cross-functional coordination and supplier interface management, are particularly susceptible; conversely, execution-focused logistics and transport teams with observable outputs experience lower risks. Key post-pandemic shifts, including widespread hybrid work adoption, reliance on real-time digital platforms and integration of predictive analytics, have reshaped accountability, collaboration and performance perception across SC functions. Research limitations/implications Findings are based on a qualitative sample from a specific geographical context, which may limit generalizability. Future research should employ quantitative and longitudinal methods to validate these insights across industries, functions and SC tiers. Practical implications Organizations can mitigate social loafing by fostering trust, defining roles precisely and implementing transparent performance evaluation mechanisms, particularly in planning, coordination and analytics-intensive functions. Effective use of digital collaboration tools, combined with structural and interpersonal alignment, strengthens resilience, agility and cross-functional coordination in hybrid and remote SC teams. Originality/value This research bridges a notable gap by linking social loafing to specific supply chain management (SCM) contexts and flows. It advances a multidimensional understanding of team dynamics in hybrid and distributed SCs, providing both theoretical and practical insights to improve collaboration, transparency and performance across SCM functions.