Leadership and technology solutions in small and medium companies

Although considerable research has been conducted on leadership and information technology (IT) implemetation in small and medium companies (SMCs), there is a gap in academic research on leadership styles in IT solutions implementation in SMCs categorized as the best places to work (BPW). This study filled this gap by examining leadership styles in implementing IT solutions in those top 50 SMCs identified by the Great Place to Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management in 2008. The study drew on a combination of transformational leadership theory, Rogers's diffusion theory, Fielder's contingency theory of leadership, and Lewin's theory of organizational change management. Research questions focused on identifying the common leadership styles in SMCs identified as BPW. A mixed-method research design was used to collect data from 50 IT leaders using a Web-based self-assessment multifactor leadership questionnaire. Variables analyzed included the dependent variable---company type---and independent variables---transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and thematic qualitative analysis were used to analyze the data. Results showed that IT leaders in top SMCs categorized as best places to work perceive themselves as transformational in their leadership styles. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of leadership styles common to IT implementation in SMCs and will help leaders develop effective strategies to improve IT implementation outcomes. Implications for social change include identification of effective leadership styles in IT solutions and providing a recipe for effective leadership in technology implementation projects that will inspire sustainable growth and productive outcomes in SMCs.