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Information Technology and the Effective Leader

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Submitted By katwentz
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Information Technology and the Effective Leader
Kaitlyn Wentz
The University of Akron

Abstract The focuses of this paper are the attributes necessary to be an effective leader through information technology (IT). The paper is based from research of an analysis of empirical research by James N. Danziger and Kim Viborg Andersen, an article by Akhlaque Haque, and other in-course readings. The introduction focuses on the leader and the attributes needed for an effective leader. The paper goes on to describe IT in public administration and the countless benefits it brings. Each attribute of an effective leader is introduced with a description of its relation to leadership and IT.
Introduction
In today’s society there are many attributes associated with what makes an effective leader. However, there is no single definition of leadership (Rosenbach & Taylor 2006). To be successful as a leader in today’s society, it is imperative for a leader to have “self knowledge,” (Rosenbach & Taylor 2006). This means that it is essential for a person to understand his or her own behavior and personality in order to be an effective leader. Leadership depends on factors such as personality, behavior, and situational context. There are numerous internal as well as external attributes that shape a leader.
Information technology is an external attribute that positively influences leadership and organizations. IT has allowed major advancements in leadership because of how it is set up to benefit the organization. Technology is changing constantly and leaders have the responsibility of keeping up with the new advancements. It is of upmost importance for leaders to recognize how they deal with information presented to them and how they can use that information to influence their followers. To be an effective leader in the age of information technology a person must embrace

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