Challenges and Success Factors in National E-leadership - A Case Study at the Swedish Transport Administration

Abstract

PURPOSE - The purpose of this research is to identify challenges that can arise for managers performing e-leadership and identify critical success factors that can impact on managers’ performance. METHOD – A qualitative research design has been applied where eight managers from different business areas and central functions within the Swedish Transport Administration has participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews and the research study have been based on ethical considerations to reduce risks for the participants. EMPIRICAL FINDINGS – The findings presented are structured around the theoretical framework. It emphasizes on the importance of and challenge with communication, trust and ability to envision goals, but also illustrate the risk that individuals exhibit feelings of isolation and the difficulty to monitor work in the virtual work environment. It also discusses the organizations role in developing the e-leadership within the organization and emphasizes on the importance of education and management networks. CONCLUSION – This study has generated insight on factors that can impact on manager’s performance in a virtual work setting. The e-leaders role is to ensure that the right conditions exist for e-followers to operate autonomously, this include clarity in the work role, decisions making authority and the right conditions and infrastructure for communication.