Pawel Korzynski

Online social networks and leadership: Implications of a new online working environment for leadership

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of online social networks in experiencing a change in working environment of todays leaders. Design/methodology/approach - – The studys participants were managers, directors and CEOs working in different organizations (including Fortune 500 companies) in the USA, the UK, Germany, France, Russian Federation, Australia and China. The data were collected through structured surveys delivered through LinkedIn to the managers, directors and CEOs. A total of 115 matched questionnaires were returned. Statistical analysis, using STATA software, was conducted to assess the research results. Findings - – The results indicate that the importance of online social networking environment is growing. Furthermore the study shows that online social networks are more useful for participative and consultative leadership style on social networking platforms than for directive leadership style. A higher number of activities on social networks by leaders is positively associated with the higher number of platforms used by leaders for business purposes. It is also correlated with a lower percentage of people from the same organization in the leaders contacts. Finally, the findings also show that the usefulness of online social networks as a tool supporting leadership, depends on the number of activities, number of platforms and size of the company. Surprisingly, age is not a predictor of the usefulness of online social networks. Practical implications - – Leaders that seek ways in which to foster their leadership, need to recognize the importance of online social networking environment and the possibilities of using online relations in various aspects of authentic and situational leadership. Originality/value - – This research provides knowledge regarding the usage of online social networks by many different leaders all over the world and suggests that a new generation of leaders will have to adjust to new working environment.

EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION IN NEW WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Pawel Korzynski Akademia Leona Koźminskiego, Harvard University (POLAND) p.korzynski@fas.harvard.edu DOI: 10.7813/2075-4124.2013/5-5/B.28 ABSTRACT Social context has always played an important role in employee motivation. Currently, organizations are experiencing technological change in working environment where online networking tools enable to share knowledge, develop ideas, solve problems, and manage a variety of projects. More often than not, individuals use internal and external online networking platforms at work. However, little is known if the new generation of leaders should try to embrace these new methods of communication and in this way engage employees. This paper analyzes how technological, generational and organizational changes impact employee motivation and which component of motivation is crucial in the new workplace. Key words: communication, employee motivation, leadership, online networking, technology, workplace 1. INTRODUCTION In the 20

Online networking and employee engagement: what current leaders do?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: to examine the role of online networks in employee engagement and to analyze the factors influencing leaders’ involvement in online social networking. Design/methodology/approach – The study’s participants included team leaders, managers and directors working in Fortune 500 companies in the USA. Data were collected through structured surveys delivered through LinkedIn, professional online networking platform to randomly selected users with leadership roles. Totally, 194 matched questionnaires were returned. Findings – The results indicate that employee engagement is positively associated with the time leaders spend on internal online networking platforms, the code of online networking conduct, and the presence of an open-organizational culture. Furthermore, the study shows that organizations can influence leaders’ use of online social networking platforms through an open culture and training. Finally, the findings also indicate that leaders, who communicate ...

How does online social networking help leaders communicate? evidence from the Fortune 500

Effective organizational leadership and human resource management depend upon efficient communication. However, online social networking is revolutionizing the way this occurs. Contrary to traditional forms of media where communication flows in a linear manner, online social networking (OSN) platforms enable individuals to interact with each other, thereby making communication a two-way process. Networking platforms are dramatically changing the way in which people communicate especially in global organizations that operate in different time zones and countries. This paper explores how OSN influences the internal communication effectiveness of today’s leaders and their reports. A significant stream of research states that communication effectiveness is the foundation of modern organizations.Given that a number of these modern organizations have started to use OSN platforms internally as another channel of communication, it is crucial to identify ways in which today’s leaders can communicate effectively in an online setting and what organizational features can facilitate use of new technology. The study shows the importance of leader adjustment to an online setting. However it also cautions that a supportive culture is needed, and there are instances where OSN cannot replace direct face-to-face communication.