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Leadership at a Distance: Examining the Role of Virtual Managerial Support on Remote Employee Performance and Mental Health

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  • Jing Li

    (University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China)

Abstract

The shift to remote work has magnified the need for effective leadership delivered through digital channels. This paper investigates how virtual managerial support encompassing communication quality, task guidance, socio-emotional care, and technology facilitation affects remote employee performance and mental health. Drawing on transformational, transactional, and LMX theories and the Job Demands–Resources model, we synthesise empirical findings to reveal a dual path framework. In the task pathway, communication and guidance drive clarity and goal attainment; in the well-being pathway, socio-emotional and technological support foster psychological safety, reduce stress, and enhance engagement. Interaction effects between these pathways create a reinforcing feedback loop, whereby improved well-being boosts productivity and vice versa. We also identify boundary conditions, individual traits, task characteristics, and organisational culture that moderate support effectiveness. Finally, we outline practical best practices for virtual leaders and propose future research directions, including longitudinal, cross-cultural, and hybrid work studies. Our integrated framework offers a roadmap for managers to optimise remote team outcomes in the evolving digital workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Li, 2025. "Leadership at a Distance: Examining the Role of Virtual Managerial Support on Remote Employee Performance and Mental Health," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 4975-4990, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:4975-4990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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