Abstract

This paper addresses how leadership can be conceptualized in times of dispersed and team working structures. The Dispersed Leadership Theory in Teams proposes three distinguishing types of leadership, which include interactional leadership exerted by leaders; team leadership provided by team members; and structural leadership influenced by work and organizational factors (i.e., task, organizational structures, and customers). It is assumed that these three types of leadership simultaneously exert influence on follower's attitudes and behaviors. We outline the theory, review empirical evidence based on the model and discuss the strengths and limitations. In conclusion, we discuss the emerging topics for future studies.