Date

4-7-2023

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Chair

Gerald Regier

Keywords

mandatory remote work, e-leadership, public sector leadership, organizational culture

Disciplines

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study research was to identify effective public sector leadership skills when operating in a mandatory remote work environment. The research topic was driven by the adjustments many public sector organizations were mandated to make due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to attract and retain a talented workforce in the future, many government agencies have been faced with implementing reconstitution efforts that include more flexible schedule options for employees following the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, these organizations began exploring offering additional remote opportunities that were previously not available. Thus, identifying effective leadership skills in remote environments has become increasingly necessary for the future of the public sector. While much literature exists regarding e-leadership, there is limited research regarding e-leadership in the public sector based on mandatory remote work (Philip, 2021), and the literature fails to consider the impact of organizational culture on the success of e-leadership. A literature review identified effective e-leadership skills and the relationship between culture and successful public sector leadership. Qualitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, and observations, were used in one public organization to obtain the perspectives of persons working within the organization about the organization’s transition to a mandatory remote work environment in the pandemic. This study is based on traditional public administration leadership theory and the emerging e-leadership subfield. The findings of this study revealed important leadership qualities that drive successful public sector outcomes in a remote environment and can be utilized in the 21st century in consideration of the rapid technological advancements currently occurring in government.

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