Från traditionella till virtuella arbetsarrangemang : En kvalitativ studie om utbytesrelationer mellan ledare och följare på distans

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of leader and follower exchange-relationships when work is conducted remotely, as well as the creation and development of such relationships. The study focuses on remote work in the form of full-time and hybrid solutions, which have become more common for many organizations. The theoretical framework of the study includes theories about remote work, leader-member-exchange, and followership. To conduct the study the authors used a qualitative research method with multiple case studies and semi-structured interviews. The respondents of the study consisted of four leaders and four followers.  The results of the study indicate that reduced physical contact and interaction in remote work pose challenges to leaders and followers in their previous abilities to create and develop qualitative exchange relationships. Furthermore, leaders and followers establish exchange relationships through daily conversations and meetings via digital platforms. These relationships develop through common factors such as social identity, self-categorization, social categorization, human capital, social capital and personal attributes. Similarities in these factors contribute favorably to the creation of high-quality exchange relationships between leaders and followers. Remote work has brought forth new factors critical to developing high-quality exchange relationships, and both leaders and followers have different perspectives on remote work. Leaders find it challenging to lead and support their followers, while followers on the other hand don't think that their job tasks have been significantly affected.