Leaders' Perceptions of Mobile Technology in the Workplace.

摘要

Leaders have limited understanding regarding mobile technology (Ramo & Edenius, 2008). However, with over 1 billion users (Meeker, Devitt & Wu, 2011), managers are tasked with making leadership decisions regarding technology adoption, management and use. Leaders may find this difficult to undertake given the limited body of knowledge in the literature regarding mobile technology and leadership. As there are no known historical studies, it is anticipated that this dissertation will add to the body of knowledge regarding leaders' perceptions of mobile technology in the workplace.;Using Lorsch's Contingency Theory (2008) as the theoretical framework, the study reviews the relationship between leaders, employees and the uncertain task of mobile technology adoption and use in the workplace. Qualitative interviews were conducted with ten leaders in varying organizations in order to address the research question: What are leaders' perceptions of mobile technology adoption in the workplace for managers and employees? As the data collected were analyzed, themes emerged including: (i) Mobile technology evolution; (ii) Roles and responsibilities; (iii) Expectations; (iv) Use and access; (v) Pace, efficiency, and effectiveness; (vi) Communication; (vii) Process; (viii) Emotions; (ix) Work-life balance; (x) Uncertainty; and (xi) Future.;While the 11 emergent themes and 37 sub-themes addressed the research question and problem statement, a number of additional research questions emerged. Thematic conclusions found based on the perceptions of other leaders can assist managers tasked with making decisions regarding mobile technology adoption and management. This study will add to the body of knowledge available regarding mobile technology and leadership. However, it is anticipated that future research will continue to advance the research available regarding employees, leaders and uncertain tasks related to mobile technology.