LEADERSHIP IN THE VIRTUAL UNIVERSE: COMPARISON

OF LEADERS IN MOBILE LEGEND (ML) AND LEADERS

IN REAL LIFE ORGANIZATION

Authors :

1. Marta Friska Tindaon 2233220037

2. Vauline Mikha Sherly Angel 2233220015
3. Fadilla Husin Aruan 2231220005
4. Ristama Fitri Widia Hutabalian
5. Fauzira Hasanah

ENGLISH LITERATURE
LANGUAGES AND ARTS FACULTY
STATE UNIVERSITY OF MEDAN
16 NOVEMBER 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................II
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................1
A. Purpose and context of the research proposal.......................................................................1
B. Objectives.............................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................3
CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................4
CHAPTER IV ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................................5
CHAPTER V EXPECTED RESULT..........................................................................................6
CHAPTER VI TIMELINE...........................................................................................................7
CHAPTER VII REFERENCES...................................................................................................8
 LIST OF TABLES

1.1

Timeline.........................................................................................................................................7
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and context of the research proposal

The concept of leadership has been extensively studied and discussed in the context of
traditional organizations, focusing on the traits, behaviors, and styles of leaders who
effectively guide and motivate their teams to achieve organizational goals. However, the
advent of online gaming has introduced a new virtual realm where leadership dynamics play
out in a distinct and often overlooked setting. In the virtual world of Mobile Legends (ML),
a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, players engage in team-based
battles, requiring coordination, strategy, and effective leadership to secure victory. Within
this virtual environment, players emerge as leaders, taking on the role of guiding and
motivating their teammates to achieve the common goal of winning the match. While these
virtual leaders may not possess formal authority in the traditional sense, they still exert
significant influence over their teammates' actions and decisions. Their ability to
communicate effectively, strategize collaboratively, and inspire their teammates can make or
break the outcome of a match. Despite the growing popularity of online gaming and the
increasing prominence of leadership within virtual worlds, there is a relative dearth of
research exploring the dynamics of leadership in these settings. Understanding the
leadership styles and behaviors exhibited by virtual leaders and comparing them to those of
traditional leaders can provide valuable insights into the nature of leadership in the digital
age.

The primary objective of this research proposal is to delve into the realm of leadership
within the virtual world of Mobile Legends (ML), specifically by comparing the leadership
styles and behaviors of ML leaders with those of leaders in real-life organizations. This
comparative approach aims to uncover any similarities or differences between leadership
practices in the virtual and real-world contexts.

In conclusion, this research proposal delves into the unexplored territory of leadership
within the virtual world of Mobile Legends (ML), seeking to compare and contrast
leadership styles and behaviors between ML leaders and their real-world counterparts. By
bridging the gap between virtual and real-world leadership practices, the study aims to
contribute to the advancement of leadership theory and practice in the digital age.
B. Objectives
1. Compare leadership styles and behaviors in ML to those of leaders in real-life
organizations.
2. Analyze case studies of successful leaders in real-life organizations to identify their
leadership approaches and compare them to those of ML leaders.
3. Administer surveys to leaders in real-life organizations to assess their perceptions of
leadership and compare these perceptions to those of ML players.
 CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

Previous studies on leadership in real-world organizations have identified key characteristics

such as communication skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence as essential for
effective leadership (Bass & Riggio, 2006; Goleman, 1998). These studies highlight the
evolving nature of leadership in response to organizational changes and external factors.

In the context of virtual environments, particularly within online gaming communities,

research has started to emerge on the leadership dynamics within these spaces. Yee (2006)
explored leadership roles within multiplayer online games, emphasizing the importance of
strategic thinking and team coordination. Virtual leaders in gaming environments often
exhibit traits such as decisiveness, collaboration, and effective communication (Jansz &
Martens, 2005). A cross-disciplinary approach can offer a more comprehensive
understanding of leadership. For instance, literature from organizational psychology, human-
computer interaction, and gaming studies can provide diverse insights into leadership
dynamics (Carless, Wearing, & Mann, 2000).

A growing body of research explores leadership dynamics in online gaming environments,

particularly in the context of MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games).
Studies have identified various leadership styles prevalent in these virtual worlds, such as
charismatic leadership, democratic leadership, and directive leadership. These studies also
suggest that effective leadership in online gaming can positively impact team performance,
player satisfaction, and overall gaming experience. In the realm of traditional leadership
research, a plethora of theories and frameworks have emerged, providing insights into
effective leadership styles, behaviors, and competencies. These theories and frameworks
emphasize the importance of traits such as intelligence, charisma, and decisiveness, as well
as behaviors such as communication, motivation, and strategic thinking. While there is a
growing understanding of leadership in both online gaming and traditional organizational
settings, there is a lack of research directly comparing leadership styles and behaviors across
these two contexts. This gap highlights the need for comparative studies that can identify
commonalities and distinctions in leadership practices between virtual and real-world
environments.
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This research use case study methods which is one of the types of qualitative research method
that aims to study a phenomenon in depth and thoroughly. Case studies are usually conducted on
one unit of analysis, such as individuals, organizations, or groups. This study involves six
participants which is divided to be two groups with three participants in each group. This study
has real life organizations leaders group and mobile legend leaders group. Conduct in-depth
interviews with both ML players and real-life leaders to gather information about their leadership
styles, motivations, and experiences. Observe their leadership behaviors in-game or in real-world
settings, if possible. Additionally, collect relevant documents, such as team performance
evaluations or leadership training materials. Then, draw the comparisons between the leadership
qualities, strategies, and challenges faced by ML players and real-life leaders. Identify
similarities and differences in their approaches to leadership. Analyze the findings to draw
conclusions about the nature of leadership in virtual and real-world contexts. Discuss the
implications of these findings for understanding leadership development, team dynamics, and
organizational effectiveness. Acknowledge the limitations of the study, such as the potential for
selection bias or the challenges of measuring leadership effectiveness in a virtual environment.
Suggest directions for future research to further explore the nuances of leadership in virtual and
real-world settings.
 CHAPTER IV

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Upholding the highest ethical standards, the research will prioritize the confidentiality and
anonymity of participants. Informed consent will be diligently obtained, ensuring that the rights
and well-being of all participants are safeguarded throughout the research process.
 CHAPTER V

EXPECTED RESULT

The study may explore how leadership styles influence team dynamics, decision-making
processes, and overall performance in both ML and real-life organizations. It may identify
specific leadership behaviors that contribute to successful teamwork and achievement of goals.
On the other hand, this study is hoped to convey the comparison of real life organizatons leaders
and mobile legend leaders, whether it is the similiarity and difference.
 CHAPTER VI

TIMELINE

Time
Activities Week 13 Week 14
SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
Proposal Drafting
References Collecting
Introduction Writing
Literature Review Writing
Methodology Writing

Table 1.1 Timeline

 CHAPTER VII

REFERENCES

Bass, B. M. (2006). Transformational leadership. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers.

Carless, D. W. (2000). Managing learning in virtual worlds: A new role for the educational
technologist. Educational Technology Research and Development, 48, 55-65.

Goleman, D. (1998). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.

Jansz, M. &. (2005). Motivational aspects of online gaming: A self-determination theory

perspective. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 8, 199-206.

Yee, N. (2006). The Daedalian Online Gamer: The Internet as Playground.