Lojeski’s Virtual Distance Leadership Model As technology improves, businesses expand and recruitment pools decrease, organizations contemplate ways to, not only reduce the overhead costs of doing business but, to attract new talent in a competitive employment marketplace (Darleen, 2012). To do so, many organizations have redefined what it means to ‘go to work’, in terms of not only the act of getting there, but how work is accomplished and where (Lojeski & Yuva, 2008). A study conducted three years ago by the Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported that almost half of the organizations surveyed utilized virtual teams (Minton-Eversole, 2012). Anyone who conducts business using mobile technology devices is considered
Yet, in a unique paradoxical way, the convenience of being able to avoid face to face interaction, or any means of transport, becomes inconvenient and sometimes ineffective due a phenomenon known as virtual distance (Lojeski & Reilly, 2007). While the dynamics of conducting business virtually present appealing opportunities in terms of staff flexibility, cost effectiveness and the elimination of geographical barriers (Pacuraru, 2012), virtual distance presents obstacles that leaders must strive, continuously, to overcome (Lojeski & Reilly,
Traditional hierarchical companies are now flattening their leadership models to facilitate involvement of staff, throughout all levels within their organization (Gil-Estallo, Dolors, Aparicio-Valverde, Ferruz-Periz & Escardibul-Ferra, 2000). Technology advancement provides the mechanisms for this communication to occur in the form of emails, shared sites, instant messaging, teleconferencing and a host of other alternatives to face-to-face
...s for today’s leaders would begin with strong oral and written communication skills; the most effective way a leader communicates with the employees is by e-mail, since employees check their e-mail often they can communicate with them quickly but the employees also feel that the leaders are directly addressing them which can be motivating.
A healthy flow of upward and downward communication ensures that the communications between managers and employees is complete. For example, in 2010, Kroger surveyed over 200 thousand employees in its “Associate First Tracker survey” and found the feedback both invaluable and “humbling.” Kroger then communicates the findings with their employees who participated which will then generate a new dialog in regard to what the next steps should be (Orgel, 2010). The final channel of communication is the use of horizontal communications between coworkers. This can...
As we can see from these data, the growth of telecommuting has been substantial over the last several years. It is becoming more and more attractive to both employees and employers. We will further explore why in the upcoming sections.
Looking at IKEA’s organisational structure, the chain of command shows a clear line for messages within functional departments, so therefore; it leads to good communication. For example, looking at the organisational structure of IKEA, there is a clear communication within a human resources department. However, the chain of command is very long from the top to the bottom of the organisation because, there are too many levels of management. This will lead to poor communication. For example, it takes decisions a long time to reach the workers at the bottom of the organisation structure.
A virtual team is a group of people working interdependently via various types of electronic media across organizational and geographical boundaries for a shared purpose (D’Souza & Colarelli, 2010). Research indicates virtual teams are becoming increasingly popular in organizations across the United States and the world (D’Souza & Colarelli, 2010; Rusman, van Bruggen, Sloep, & Koper, 2010). These teams vary in size, degree of geographic dispersion, prior shared work experience, nature of assignment, and expectations of a common future (Rusman et al., 2010). Although virtual teams have potential advantages like the removal of physical boundaries, the ability to form new partnerships, and optimization of competencies (Chinowsky & Rojas, 2003), they also introduce many challenges that may not be as prevalent in traditional teams.
Working in today’s society has changed in the last few decades. The economy and technology are the main reasons for this change. The type of job and environment where one works has also changed. The fact that many people work from home via the internet has drastically changed the workforce and the environment surrounding it. With this change comes new demands, expectations, and opportunities for employers.
The workplace today goes beyond just the walls and ceilings that surround an office environment or office building. According to the International Telework Association and Council, 44.4 million Americans worked from home at least part of the time in 2004, up 7.5% from just on year earlier (Earthweb, 2005). Though it may be very convenient to work from home, the choice can bring its own set of problems. There are financial reasons, efficiencies, and even managing time are just a few to name that bring about many challenges and issues that any remote employee would face in that type of work environment.
During the past decade, the internet has revolutionized and changed the way organizations do business by offering rapid communication systems and enhanced information access and innovation of technological advancements have created a brave new workplace. Further, the internet enables organizations to decrease expenses, reduce product life cycle time, market goods and services more efficiently (Anandarajan et al, 2000). However, with these kinds of benefits, the internet provides employees with a technique
In earlier years, organizations relied on traditional forms of communication; they are perhaps considered primitive means on this day. These forms of communication ...
Many organizations utilize internet based programs such as the email and instant messaging platforms to facilitate communication between their employees (intranets). Setting up an intranet gives organizations the capability of instant communication between employees without one having to search out the colleague they are trying to address. Intranets belong to the organization and are only accessible by those with authorization, such as employees. Employees are then able to collaborate, plan and execute strategies without ever having to be in the same room together. This ensures that fellow workers are now able to communicate timely and effectively as several of these mediums result in near instant communication.
It is appreciated that “new digital HR/people strategy needs a new operational model as well. Senior management and leadership should encourage every member of the organization to take responsibility by providing the necessary framework, tools and incentives.” (Becerra, 2017). Further, there is a need to hire new digital experts to tackle new issues and skills that may have not been considered or required in the past. According to Michael Gale (2016), “one of the most basic impediment to moving forward on the road to digital transformation is whether or not enough people within the organization are aware of the
But in the use of the term “technology” today, there is far more associated meaning than automobiles or washing machines. It has ushered in an entirely new way of working, and in increasing numbers of organizations, increased options of just where work associated with a particular job will be done. More employees than ever have the option of working at home yet still being employed either full...
Martin and MacDonnell, in there article “Is Telework Effective for Organization”, present evidence supporting the fact that while decision makers have not embrace the idea of telecommuting, there is benefit to the organization in this form of work. They also discuss some of the same potential benefits discussed in the American Community Survey such as stability during potential pandemics and natural disasters (Martin & MacDonnell, 2012). Martin and MacDonnell conclude that organizations should consider implementation of telecommuting in hope of being part of the future work force. Included in the list of benefits are cost savings (transportation, clothes, child care, etc.) and environmental benefits when employees work from home. Martin and MacDonnell conclude that organizations should consider implementation of telecommuting in hope of being part of the future work
With the rise of mobile working whereby companies employ from different regions without necessarily having employees enclosed in one building, they end up employing more skilled and qualified workers regardless of their location. This has been made possible by companies embracing virtual meetings and video conferencing where managers and
While working at Borders, I experienced quite a bit of upward communication. Employees liked taking their messages to me, I was seen as one of the managers that listened. I would also try to meet their needs by communicating these messages to my ge...