Leadership styles in Information Technology projects

Abstract

This paper discusses an empirical research aimed at identifying successful leadership styles for managers of Information Technology/Systems projects. The research examined the suitability of transformational leadership in conjunction with other critical success factors. The results indicated that a combination of transformational and technical leadership behaviours augment the effectiveness of transactional leadership leading to high project success. While recognising that there is no one leadership style that is effective in all project situations, the study recommends an underlying yet flexible style characterised by organisational catalyst, intellectual stimulation, behavioural charisma, and contingent reward behaviours for enhanced leadership effectiveness.