Transformational leadership and well-being when working from home – the role of ICT demands

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of transformational leadership (TFL) for employee well-being when working from home (WFH) and under the light of stressors coming from the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Design/methodology/approach

Moderation analyses were conducted with a sample of 763 employees who work at least one day a week from home.

Findings

The results suggest that TFL still has a positive effect on employee well-being during WFH, but that its effectiveness decreases when certain ICT demands that inhibit communication occur. Contrary to our expectations, constant availability did not weaken the effects of TFL.

Practical implications

Leaders must be aware of the influence of ICT demands on their leadership effectiveness and take countermeasures to increase effective communication and decrease the occurrence of ICT demands.

Originality/value

Current literature on TFL was enhanced by examining its effectiveness in a WFH context and providing important insights into the challenges of remote work for leadership and employee well-being.

Citation

Tautz, D., Felfe, J., Klebe, L. and Krick, A. (2024), "Transformational leadership and well-being when working from home – the role of ICT demands", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 39 No. 7, pp. 915-929. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-04-2023-0235