Virtual leadership as a development opportunity in business context

Abstract

In the twenty-first century and under the framework of the fourth industrial revolution, virtual leadership emerged as a new way to direct and lead companies and organizations in the public and private sectors. In this regard, it should be mentioned that this situation is the result of the profound effects and changes of the digital revolution in the business world, which are a consequence of the globalization process and the rise of the so-called Information Technology and Telecommunications (ICT). Therefore, the objective of this narrative literature review is to know what has been written about virtual leadership between 2016 and 2021. As a result, 58 sources of information were reviewed, their level of scientific evidence was evaluated, and opportunities for growth and development in business and commercial activities were identified. In addition, a business management alternative to mitigate the impacts of the new Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic was analyzed. Hence, this paper is highly relevant, as it also considers elements such as personalized communication and digital tools. In conclusion, it was found that virtual work generates benefits, including time savings and quick contact. However, it presents challenges for leaders, such as the challenge of connectivity, motivation, and collaborators’ commitment.