Beyond the Emptiness Machine: New Directions for Leadership Research in Digital and AI-Driven Work Contexts

Abstract

In an era where many individuals have transitioned to hybrid or fully remote work models, often supported or managed by artificial intelligence (AI), and confronted with a seemingly endless stream of tasks, there is a growing fear of being consumed by the “emptiness machine” — a metaphor for the hollow substitute technology creates in place of rich human connections essential for experiencing social influence. These shifts in work design have important implications for leadership: While virtual communication and AI can enhance autonomy and efficiency, they may also weaken relational energy — the “social glue” that supports social influence — potentially contributing to a growing sense of workplace loneliness. Consistently considering contrasting aspects, we examine two key work design shifts that reshape leadership: (1) the structural changes brought by hybrid and remote work models, and (2) the content-related shifts in leadership tasks driven by the transformative impact of AI. By offering concrete research questions in these areas and outlining practical implications, we aim to inspire a more holistic understanding of leadership in a technologically transformed world.