Determining how information technology is changing the role of leadership in virtual organization

Abstract

The information revolution has changed how people conduct business in many different ways. The Internet technology became the new channel of business that is, less expensive and complex for both, businesses and consumers. Most companies can start their businesses on the Internet with low cost and still deliver the same product or service. Customers have more choices and convenient in buying new product for a competitive price. Virtual organization is the name of this type of company that conducts their business on the Internet. With employees working in distant locations. That creates a huge challenge to the leaders in these organizations, since they have to make the employees more unified, energized, working in teams and understand the vision of their organization. To implement the leadership skills over the virtual organization, leaders have to know how to use the technology that will enable them to deliver their leadership skills. E-leader (electronic leader) became the new style of leadership that will shape the virtual organization to thrive in this electronic economy. The purpose of this study is to determine how information technology is changing the role of leadership in the virtual organization. The study will define the virtual organization, and leadership. Then explore different strategies that the new leader can use to be an effective in the virtual organization