New forms of leadership for the future of work: a review of theory and illustration using Q-Methodology

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse what are the leadership styles that show a best fit to the new working environment. To this end, first, the study reviews of how leadership styles have evolved over time, highlighting the emergence of the new forms of leadership. Then, the evolution of the nature of work is also traced by describing the forces shaping the current working environment, and defining the main characteristics of the future of work. The relationship between leadership styles and working environment conditions is empirically analysed using the Q-methodology over a sample of 45 students of the degree of Business Administration in the Jaume I University. The results show that shared leadership is the leadership style that present the best to the new working conditions. I also found that leadership dimensions such as empowering, integrity and ethical behaviour are considered important facets for the leaders in the work for the future.