MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Relational Power Is the New Currency of Hybrid Work

Traditionally, hierarchies have helped formalize the power structures embedded in different roles within an organization. In a virtual context, the formal hierarchical structure is often less visible than it is in face-to-face environments. In the absence of physical markers of rank and hierarchy, such as office locations, parking spaces, desk labels, badges worn, and so on, managers need to rely on other bases of power to continue to influence and manage employees in technology-mediated settings.

Although studies have examined virtual work practices through video-based applications like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, less attention has been paid to text-based platforms such as Slack, Huddle, Ryver, and Flock, among others. Forecasts predict that the market for these collaborative platforms will reach $50.7 billion by 2025. As a result, manager-employee interactions over such platforms are expected to become even more prevalent.

About the Author

Lebene Soga is a lecturer in entrepreneurship and leadership at Henley Business School in the U.K. Yemisi Bolade-Ogunfodun is a lecturer in organizational behavior at Henley Business School. Nazrul Islam is an associate professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at University of Exeter Business School in the U.K. Joseph Amankwah-Amoah is a full professor of international business at Kent Business School in the U.K.