E-leadership is a social influence process, mediated by technology, to produce a change in attitudes, feelings, thinking, behavior, and performance with individuals, groups, or organizations to direct them toward achieving a specific goal.
As stated by Avolio and Kahai (2002), this involves enhancing the relationships among organizational members in a context in which work is mediated by technology.
In this case, communication and the collection and dissemination of information occurs via information technology.
Traditionally, leadership in organizations involves face-to-face interaction.
Now, leaders may lead entire projects from a distance and interact with followers solely through information technology.
Today, organizations are incorporating technology for workplace communication, creating a need for e-leadership.
This wiring involves forms of technology such as videoconferencing, online collaboration software, cellphones, e-mail, and Wi-Fi.
As a result, organizations are struggling with technological-integration issues while employees face a steep learning curve.
However, our understanding of how information systems change human dynamics has lagged behind the introduction and use of new technology.
Thus, technology is being used without knowing the full extent of its impact on human dynamics in organizations.
