Question

how would you feel about working for a boss who lives half way around the world? how might this affect you as sn employee?

Answer 1

Working for a manager halfway across the world gives rise to mixed feelings as it depends on several factors. Some of the important factors that need to be considered in this scenario are the leadership style of the boss, the characteristics of the boss, and the nature of the job. Only when all these factors are desirable can an individual relish working for a boss halfway across the world.

For example, if the nature of the job requires less supervision and reporting weekly then I'd be thrilled to work for the boss across the world since we only communicate once in a week and most of the time is invested in the work. However, a job that requires constant reporting to the manager can be a problem as it gives rise to barriers in communication and the time is split between reporting and work. Hence, the distance would not matter to me if the nature of the job requires less supervision and reporting.

Two, the characteristics of the boss also plays a role in desiring to work for a manager irrespective of the distance. If the boss has a bureaucratic leadership style, then even if the boss is not halfway across the world it can be difficult to work under the boss. Therefore, when all these factors are considered and the boss is a transformational leader, then I would love to work under a boss halfway across the world.

As an employee the distance would not be much of a factor in determining the feelings of working under a boss but the other factors such as the boss's leadership style, traits of the boss in communicating to the employees and the nature of the job role.