Presumptions for E-leadership in Local Self-Government in Lithuania

Abstract

Purpose and Originality: ICT usage in management processes became inseparable part of both private and public organizations’ practice. E-leadership concept is quite new in public administration area. The purpose of this research was to explain main theoretical and practical presumptions for the e-leadership in the local self-government organizations in Lithuania. The value and the originality of the research are achieved by revealing theoretical elements of this concept in the local self-government (based on the Good Governance approach) and giving some evidences of e-leadership practical implications in Lithuanian municipalities.

Method: The research is based on the theoretical approach of Good Governance, which explains the need of better management in public administration organizations. Scientific methods such as the content analysis of scientific literature, presenting theoretical presumptions for e-leadership in local self-government in Lithuanian researches, as well as PEST analysis (the document analysis) of Lithuanian municipalities’ practice are used.

Results: Theoretical insights about e-leadership in local self-government organizations in Lithuania are still missing the deeper understanding of this phenomenon; however, the practical presumptions (the legal basis, social readiness and technological instruments) were founded to be created strong and having the potential to grow. Therefore it can be stated that Lithuanian municipalities already using ICT for their daily activity are ready for the implementation of e-leadership tools, but they still need more clear vision (and guidelines) for strengthening e-leadership as an organizational practice.

Society: Results of this research are important for researchers of Lithuanian public administration, especially interested in local self-government looking for new directions for future researches. Moreover, they can be used by practitioners in municipalities understanding the value of ICT usage for management and leadership processes.

Limitations / further research: The research is the first phase of wider ongoing international research.