Leadership at a Distance:
Research in Technologically Supported Work

Edited by Suzanne P. Weisband, University of Arizona
Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2007

This volume offers insights from a noted group of scholars who discuss the complex phenomenon of leadership in distributed work settings - also known as leadership at a distance. Editor Suzanne Weisband addresses the ubiquitous roles leaders play, their scale of work, and the range of technologies available to them, while setting new directions in studying leadership at a distance. A unique perspective of empirical research unfolds, representing a variety of fields and methods to foster a better understanding of the role technology plays in leadership, and how leadership is shaped by the use of technology.

"Of course, no one knows all the answers about how leadership will change as we enter this new world of distributed leadership. In fact, many of the answers haven’t even been invented yet. But this volume contains provocative work by some of the leading researchers in this area today. If anyone can help us see how things are changing, it should be them!"

--from the Foreward by Thomas W. Malone, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"This is a book whose time has come! It drives still another stake into the heart of the white hat, white horse, heroic leader who saves the town. 'My work here is done.' Weisband and company have eloquently succeeded in opening our eyes to numerous forms of leadership at a distance, all designed to prepare leaders to function on Friedman's global competitive playing field. It is a 'must read'."

-James G. (Jerry) Hunt, Institute for Leadership Research at Texas Tech

"Managing in a virtual environment challenges taken-for-granted assumptions about effective motivation, communication, and interpersonal relationships. For those who would be leaders in the brave new workplace and the scholars who study them, this book is a gold mine of provocative ideas, fascinating illustrations of leadership challenges, and guidance for action."

--Denise M. Rousseau, H.J. Heinz II Professor of Organizational Behavior and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University

Front matter pdf (table of contents, foreword, preface)

Table of contents and chapter abstracts