Leading in international context- week 7

Reflection on Flexible Working

• Many students report feeling more at home while working remotely.

• Enjoyment of working from home emerged as a benefit for some.

• Not all organizations require a physical office for employees.

Discussion of Benefits

• Saving Time and Money: No commute leads to significant savings on travel costs and time.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexibility allows individuals to manage their time better, fitting personal activities into their schedules.

• Increased Autonomy: Workers can create their own schedules, leading to greater job satisfaction and motivation.

• Economic Advantages: Organizations can save on overhead costs associated with physical office space.

Disadvantages of Flexible Working

• Blurred Boundaries: Difficulties in separating work and home life can lead to burnout.

• Increased Expectations: Flexibility may result in employees feeling they need to be constantly available, increasing workload.

• Technological Issues: Adaptation to new technologies can be challenging, particularly for older employees used to traditional office settings.

• Job Suitability: Not all jobs are well-suited for remote work, leading to complications in workflow and team dynamics.

Communication in Virtual Settings

• Media Richness Theory: Different communication mediums carry varying levels of information richness.

  • Face-to-Face Communication: Most effective, providing rich non-verbal cues.

  • Telephone Communication: Lacks visual context but captures tone.

  • Written Communication: Risk of misinterpretation due to lack of immediate feedback and context.

• Matching Tasks and Communication Mediums: It is crucial to choose the right medium based on the nature of the task.

Importance of Goal Clarity and Team Dynamics

• Clarity in roles and tasks enhances transparency and collaboration within teams.

• Encourage an environment of psychological safety to foster open communication.

• Consider team composition for diverse perspectives, leveraging traits such as:

  • Conscientiousness: Organized and responsible.

  • Openness to Experience: Adaptable and responsive to change.

  • Agreeableness: Promotes harmony and positivity in team interactions.

Leadership Styles in Flexible Working Contexts

• Empowering Leadership: Focuses on enabling employees to excel in their roles.

• Shared Leadership: Useful in globally dispersed teams, offering shared responsibilities across different leaders.

Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace

• 1/3 of UK adults report experiencing workplace discrimination, including age, gender, racial, and disability bias.

• Discrimination occurs at:

  • Individual Level: Stereotyping affecting group dynamics.

  • Group Level: Social identity forming in exclusionary ways.

  • Organizational Level: Systemic barriers within company culture affecting hiring and promotion.

• Contact Theory: Exposure to diverse groups reduces stereotypes and promotes inclusivity.

Role of the Servant Leader

• A servant leader prioritizes the needs of employees, seeking ways to support them.

• Traits of effective servant leaders include:

  • Humility: Prioritizing team success over personal gain.

  • Authenticity: Being genuine in interactions.

  • Interpersonal Acceptance: Fostering a supportive environment.

• These qualities can lead to inclusive practices within organizations and improved outcomes for marginalized groups.