Understanding Leadership Dynamics in Relation to Employee Engagement in Contemporary Virtual Work Environments in Ireland

Suescun, Virginia (2025) Understanding Leadership Dynamics in Relation to Employee Engagement in Contemporary Virtual Work Environments in Ireland. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Reviewing the literature on virtual work, employee engagement, and virtual leadership, this research proposal aims to demonstrate that there is a gap in existing research on this significant area of study, justifying further analysis and making it a suitable focus for an MBA dissertation.

The author employs a grounded theory approach to examine data gathered from interviews with virtual employees in Ireland, aiming to explore and address the central research question: “How leadership need to evolve to influence employee engagement in Ireland’s contemporary virtual work environment?” through an inductive analysis process.

Drawing on these interviews with professionals in Ireland’s virtual workforce, the research identifies empathy, trust, autonomy, and emotional support as key leadership qualities that contribute to employee engagement. The study introduces Adaptive Relational Leadership style. A new leadership style that underscores the significance of responsive and purposeful communication in virtual work environments, stating that leaders who tailor their communication to individual preferences and cultural differences, while making effective use of digital platforms can foster stronger team connections and overall performance. The research advances current leadership theory by offering practical strategies for cultivating emotionally intelligent and digitally capable leadership. Further investigation is encouraged to examine how this model applies across various organisational structures and cultural environments.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email McElherron, Lynda UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Performance Management > Employee Engagement H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > Leadership H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Leadership H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Hours of Labour > Flexible work arrangements > Telecommuting
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	20 Jan 2026 16:42
Last Modified:	20 Jan 2026 16:42
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9107

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