A Design Research approach to developing a Process Reference Model for leadership of integrated teams in virtual environments
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Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Rout, Terry
Other Supervisors
Bernus, Peter
Year published
2010
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Purpose: the aim of this thesis is to determine the qualities and characteristics of effective leaders of integrated teams operating in virtual environments.
Research paradigm and methodology: The study was conducted using the Design Research paradigm in which a series of six review cycles were conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
Findings: The study establishes:
1. the qualities and characteristics of effective leaders of integrated teams operating in virtual environments can be identified,
2. that these characteristics of leadership can be expressed in a Process Reference ...
View more >Purpose: the aim of this thesis is to determine the qualities and characteristics of effective leaders of integrated teams operating in virtual environments. Research paradigm and methodology: The study was conducted using the Design Research paradigm in which a series of six review cycles were conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Findings: The study establishes: 1. the qualities and characteristics of effective leaders of integrated teams operating in virtual environments can be identified, 2. that these characteristics of leadership can be expressed in a Process Reference Model (PRM) or Reference Model of Organisational Behavior, 3. that Design Research can effectively be used to develop a PRM, and 4. that Behavior Engineering is an effective formal method for validating PRMs. Research limitations: The project uses Design Research to determine leadership factors. These are then synthesised into a Process Reference Model, yet there is little or no theory base for applying Design Research in this way. The usefulness of this approach should be confirmed by follow-up research. Practical implications: Project managers in the Software Engineering sector specifically, and more generally in other sectors using virtual teams to perform projects will benefit from using this Process Reference Model to better coordinate their teams to achieve objectives. Originality & value: The project is original and valuable in it’s: 1. application of Design Research to develop a Process Reference Model, 2. formulation of leadership qualities into a PRM, 3. application of Behavior Engineering to the validation of a PRM, and 4. development of a practical and academically rigorous approach to PRM-development. Keywords: Leadership, Process Reference Model, Design Research, Behavior Engineering.
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View more >Purpose: the aim of this thesis is to determine the qualities and characteristics of effective leaders of integrated teams operating in virtual environments. Research paradigm and methodology: The study was conducted using the Design Research paradigm in which a series of six review cycles were conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Findings: The study establishes: 1. the qualities and characteristics of effective leaders of integrated teams operating in virtual environments can be identified, 2. that these characteristics of leadership can be expressed in a Process Reference Model (PRM) or Reference Model of Organisational Behavior, 3. that Design Research can effectively be used to develop a PRM, and 4. that Behavior Engineering is an effective formal method for validating PRMs. Research limitations: The project uses Design Research to determine leadership factors. These are then synthesised into a Process Reference Model, yet there is little or no theory base for applying Design Research in this way. The usefulness of this approach should be confirmed by follow-up research. Practical implications: Project managers in the Software Engineering sector specifically, and more generally in other sectors using virtual teams to perform projects will benefit from using this Process Reference Model to better coordinate their teams to achieve objectives. Originality & value: The project is original and valuable in it’s: 1. application of Design Research to develop a Process Reference Model, 2. formulation of leadership qualities into a PRM, 3. application of Behavior Engineering to the validation of a PRM, and 4. development of a practical and academically rigorous approach to PRM-development. Keywords: Leadership, Process Reference Model, Design Research, Behavior Engineering.
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Thesis Type
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Degree Program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
School of Information & Communication Technology
Copyright Statement
The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise.
Item Access Status
Public
Subject
leadership
process
model
design
research
virtual
behavior
engineering
reference