How to enhance workplace climate through telework communication approaches in organization during the era of changes? Evidences of authentic leaders

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating how leadership style can enhance workplace climate in the setting of virtual teams. Drawing from the theories of authentic leadership (AL) and social penetration (SPT), this study aims at investigating the role of IT usage of telework communicating tools in building and shaping the relationship between a subordinate (follower) and his or her supervisor at workplace. Variables of trust, identifications with leaders, intentions of knowledge sharing (self-disclosure, knowledge sharing and online voice behavior) are introduced in this research framework. Valid samples of 351 subjects of full-time workers reveal that the social penetration theory applies not only to face-to-face interactions but also to online interactions amongst members of virtual teams. It is projectsed that supervisors' transparency contributes to subordinates’ self-disclosure and consequently leads to better working cohesion and relationship quality. Further, our study demonstrated that the disclosure of work-related knowledge and opinions related to workplace improvements in the computer-mediated communication (CMC) manner that are common at workplaces could positively influence the building of a constructive relationship between authentic leaders and their subordinates. This paper confirmed that the cohesion engaged amongst members of virtual teams and the relationship at work can be enhanced based on reciprocal information disclosure behavior. Especially in the season of epidemic prevention season, enterprises should quickly adopt the changing business environment and encourage staff to work from home. The self-disclosure behavior including online voicing should be promoted. Discussion and implications for theory and practices are given.