Beyond the emptiness machine: New directions for leadership research in digital and AI-driven work contexts [Author Accepted Manuscript]

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.