The Challenges of Virtual Leadership Affecting Project Delivery in the Public Sector

The Challenges of Virtual Leadership Affecting Project Delivery in the Public Sector by Verna-Kay Smith MBA, University of Maryland, University Colleges, 2013 MHRM, University of Maryland, University Colleges, 2011 BS, Kaplan University, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Management and Technology Walden University November 2018 Abstract Leaders of the U.S. government and U.S. organizations continue to seek information to mitigate risk and improve project deliverables in virtual environments. The problem addressed in this study was the rapid growth of technology in virtual workplaces that causes organizational leaders to concentrate on infrastructure and technology. The purpose of the exploratory case study was to understand the challenges virtual leadersLeaders of the U.S. government and U.S. organizations continue to seek information to mitigate risk and improve project deliverables in virtual environments. The problem addressed in this study was the rapid growth of technology in virtual workplaces that causes organizational leaders to concentrate on infrastructure and technology. The purpose of the exploratory case study was to understand the challenges virtual leaders encounter in the government environment that affect project delivery. The research questions were designed to examine the challenges virtual team leaders encounter while maintaining their roles and responsibilities to complete a project successfully in a timely manner. The theory of constraints was the framework used to address the problem of virtual leaders who struggle to complete project deliverables. Data were collected from 11 government virtual leaders via an online anonymous questionnaire and were triangulated via a reflective journal and notes from a checklist filled out by the participants who reviewed their own virtual team documents, logs, and recordings that served as firsthand knowledge. Data analysis led to several patterns and themes including communication, trust, and collaboration challenges for virtual leaders. Organizational leaders can use this study’s findings to develop efficient and effective ways to engage with virtual leaders to achieve effective project deliverables and impact change in virtual environments in the 21st-century workplace. The Challenges of Virtual Leadership Affecting Project Delivery in the Public Sector by Verna-Kay Smith MBA, University of Maryland, University Colleges, 2013 MS, University of Maryland, University Colleges, 2011 BS, Kaplan University, 2006 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Management and Technology Walden University November 2018 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my late father, Vernon Lewis Mitchell, who I believe watches over me daily. I want to thank him for instilling determination, dedication, and a strong work ethic into my soul. Dad was warrior; he never let anyone or anything stand in his way. The Mitchell blood runs deep in my soul; I too have that same determination and work ethic, so thank you Dad for always believing in me! I also want to dedicate this dissertation to my grandparents, who taught me to lead from the front from a young age. I was one of many grandchildren, and it was impressed upon me early to give freely, to remember there is enough love to go around (to love unconditionally), and to never be selfish. Early in life, it was expected that I would become a role model. My grandmother had no time for weakness; she was about trying and trying again. I have always been determined to succeed in life and to never quit. Although my grandparents and my father are no longer with me physically, I know they are watching over me, and they have encouraged me along this journey. I realize this would never have been possible without God or them by my side. I am truly grateful. I thank them for the influence they have in my life. I am blessed! Acknowledgments I wish to thank several people for their support on my journey to obtain my PhD. First, I would like to thank God. This was not an easy journey, and it is only though grace, faith, and God’s love that I have been able to finish and reach my goal. To my amazing husband, Kenneth Alan Smith, who I can never thank enough, what an amazing man to stand by me through this whole process. I want to thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. I love you! To my two sons Travis Mitchell Smith and Todd Dillon Smith, you guys have seen me go to school for years and never once gave up on me. You both always stood by me. Thank you for always supporting me—love, your Momma! To my Mom (Joyce Kay Mitchell), I love you and thank you for all the support throughout this process—your daughter always. I want to thank my extended family who never gave up on me, even though at times I may have seemed distant, missed events, and missed spending time with relatives, just know your thoughts and prayers were heard. Thank you to my brother, sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, daughter-in-love, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends—I truly appreciate all the love and support. I want to thank my dissertation committee members: Dr. John Kitoko, Dr. Kenneth Levitt, and Dr. Judie Forbes—each of you contribute to my success. In addition, I want to thank Dr. Walter McCollum, the Cohort group, Dr. Brian Warrick and Toni Williams (Editor) for all your support and positivity in this process.