Leading and trusting from a distance

Abstract: Through a qualitative study, this thesis aimed to investigate leader behavior and its effects on trust due to a transition from face-to-face to a remote work setting. The study was based on a sample of 12 individuals, out of which four having leader positions and the rest being employees in the selected organization SVT. Transformational Leadership theory was used to understand and analyze the interviewees' perceptions of leader behavior today, compared to before remote work. The Integrative Model of Trust was used to support, enrich and elaborate on how leaders' adaption to the transition affected the level of trust the employees had towards their leader. The findings from the single-case study showed that leader behavior did change in relation with increased remote work. Additionally, one factor of trust had increased, one had decreased and one was perceived to not have changed. This study helps increase the understanding of the ways today's leaders have adapted their leadership behavior as a result of remote work.