Date of Award

1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Nobuya Inagaki

Second Advisor

Dr. Pavel Shlossberg

Abstract

Corporations today are looking for ways to cut costs as well as generate additional revenue. One of the most popular methods is to virtualize your employees. Computer mediated communication (CMC), which is propagated through information and communication technology (ICT), enables virtual interaction through email, instant messaging, teleconferences. But what is the impact on team cohesion and individual citizenship in an organization when members never interact face-to-face? This thesis leverages the results of five previous studies which reached the collective conclusion that when team members simply exchange information using CMC it has a corrosive effect on cohesion and team member's job satisfaction. This study extends these conclusions by examining the motives of those empowered to make the decision to virtualize their employees; the CEO. Here texts from two chief executives, who represent large global corporations, are analyzed to highlight the priorities of the most senior executives. The results support the findings of the experimental studies and demonstrate the necessity of leaders to foster the relationships team members have with each other and the organization.

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