Do They Have What It Takes to Be a Successful E-Leader in the Lebanese Smes?

Abstract

This research in this research grant is going to discover the competencies of successful e-leaders in the Lebanese SMEs. The focus will be on discovering how employees look at the the skills (know how), the knowledge (understanding content) and the attribute (personal traits) of E-Leaders in the Lebanese SMEs. The researcher in this study is interested in finding out to what extent do employees look at the leaders in the Lebanese SMEs to posses properties such as: Knowing the technology, Fast decision making, SWOT analysis, Making sense of the future, strategic planning and Attracting and retaining talent. The purpose of this research is to find out what are the new skills and competencies that managers need? How can you assess whether a manager has (or can develop) the right skills to thrive in e-business in Lebanon? To answer these questions, the researcher in this study interviewed over 479 employees in different Lebanese SMEs via well-constructed questionnaire, focusing on those who set strategic direction for e-business ventures as well as functional and business unit leaders responsible for implementing Web initiatives. Furthermore, Based on review of literature , it is found that managers must be able to communicate clearly, create effective processes, set performance goals, manage cross-functional teams and understand financial reports. The aim of this research is to find out if e-managers in the Lebanese SMEs need to develop new or stronger competencies! Somehow e-managers must develop new competencies . Working in the e-environment is challenging and managing there is even more so! It is very important to know that the goals of leadership have not changed, but the new e-leader needs to implement those goals electronically on computer-mediated virtual teams that are dispersed over space and time.What is very different is that the e-leader may never physically meet one or more of the followers, and that the main communication medium is the computer. The new paradigm provides a range of new opportunities: the ability to instantly communicate one-on-one with employees, customers, and suppliers; the capability to use talent wherever it exists; the opportunity to enhance organizational performance by assembling better multi-functional teams, improve better customer satisfaction; the ability to cut costs; and, scope for better knowledge management. These can positively impact an organization"s competitive advantage.However, e-leaders also have new challenges: how to bridge the physical distance from the followers; how to communicate effectively with far-flung team members; how to convey enthusiasm and inspire followers electronically; how to build trust with someone who may never see the leader; and so on.Corresponding Author:-Kamel Barbar. Address:-Dean of Business School Jinan University-Lebanon. ISSN: 2320-5407Int. J. Adv. Res. 5(12), 1876 At a time when companies are increasingly relying on information and communication technology (ICT) to come up with innovations both on the management side and in produ...