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Transformative leadership competencies for organizational digital transformation

Author

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  • Schiuma, Giovanni
  • Santarsiero, Francesco
  • Carlucci, Daniela
  • Jarrar, Yasar

Abstract

Despite the flourishing literature on digital transformation (DT), there is still less research on the human side of DT—particularly on leaders’ competencies required to successfully trigger and drive organizational transformation in the context of the digital age. The human-centric approach and the leadership role are essential to understanding how organizations navigate DT by integrating digital-based knowledge. To understand the competencies necessary for a leader to drive organizational DT, this study combines and analyzes the results from a literature review on leadership styles and the findings from the semistructured interviews with 64 leaders of SMEs across a wide range of industries engaged in a DT journey. The analysis proposes the notion of transformative leadership to determine the capacity leaders must have to navigate organizational DT and identifies and describes the six competencies that distinguish a transformative leader.

Suggested Citation

  • Schiuma, Giovanni & Santarsiero, Francesco & Carlucci, Daniela & Jarrar, Yasar, 2024. "Transformative leadership competencies for organizational digital transformation," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 67(4), pages 425-437.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:67:y:2024:i:4:p:425-437
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2024.04.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang Xiufan & Liu Luan Yunqiao, 2025. "CIO leadership, employee digital ability, and corporate green innovation performance–moderating effect of organizational agility and environmental culture," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(10), pages 24585-24628, October.
    2. Mahroof, Jawad & Rafi, Dr Arslan & Ahmad, Dr Ayaz, 2025. "Talent management during digital transformation: Role of transformational leadership and resistance to change," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    3. Yu‐Xin Feng & Bon‐Gang Hwang, 2025. "Toward a Sustainable Paradigm: Navigating Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(6), pages 9335-9351, December.
    4. Dr. Alemar D. Betito & Dr. Jay A. Sario & Dr. Maria Rosario F. Briones, 2026. "Responsible Leadership, Digital Transformation Capability, and Sustainability Performance in Business and Higher Education Institutions," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), vol. 11(3), pages 696-714, March.

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