Doing Leadership in a Virtual Team: Analyzing Addressing Devices, Requests, and Emoticons in a Leader’s E-mail Messages

Abstract

Leadership is primarily accomplished through communication. It involves managing many types of oral and written communication genres and thus requires good communication skills. To be a leader in the Internet Age additionally involves managing groups of people in virtual teams by use of email. For many years, information technology experts have regarded email as an “old-fashioned” way of communication that will very soon disappear (Dürscheid & Frehner, 2011, p. 48). However, smart phones with Internet connection and email applications have given email a renewed importance for employees in all kinds of professions. In today’s work life, achievements of professional and institutional goals are to a great extent accomplished through email communication. Official figures show that 92% of Norwegian enterprises are connected to Internet (Statistics Norway, 2013), and for many leaders, as well as for other employees, email is the primary communication tool for providing information, inviting others to meetings and coordinating tasks. Over 30 years after email entered work life, it has become one of the most important communication tools for office workers in governmental, municipal, and business-related communication.