The Mediating Role of Motivation in the impact of E-leadership on Employee Performance in the Universities in Palestineرسالة ماجستير

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled researchers and organizational leaders to shift the focus from a traditional leadership approach to a more digital leadership approach. This study aims to examine the effects of e-Leadership on the performance of university employees in Palestine, focusing on motivation as the mediator. A descriptive and analytical approach was adopted, with a questionnaire used as the primary tool for data collection. A sample of (363) employees was selected using the convenient sampling technique, from a population of (6711) university employees in Palestine. The Data were analyzed using SPSS v.25 software and SMARTPLS4. The results indicate that that university employees in Palestine have moderate competencies in the domain of e-leadership, and in the domain of e-communication, and in the domain of e-technology at moderate levels. Furthermore, the results of the study indicate a moderate level of motivation in the Palestinian universities. Moreover, there are high levels of e-work environment in universities in Palestine, and high levels of employee performance. According to the study, e-leadership has a direct effect on employee performance at universities in Palestine, as well, it indicates that there is no effect on employee performance through motivation. The study suggests that e-leaders should offer more virtual tasks to motivate employees and enhance performance. This offers flexibility and effective task achievement. Additionally, e-leaders should strive to create an exemplary e-work environment with effective communication to avoid miscommunication and maintain morale and prevent demotivation.