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An Exploratory Literature Study into Digital Transformation and Leadership: Toward Future-Proof Middle Managers

Author

Listed:
  • Maartje Henderikx

    (Research Centre for Employability, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, 6131 MT Sittard, The Netherlands
    Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands)

  • Jol Stoffers

    (Research Centre for Employability, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, 6131 MT Sittard, The Netherlands
    Faculty of Management, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
    Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA), Maastricht University, 6211 LM Maastricht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This study aimed to obtain insight into the influence digital transformation has on future leadership behaviors and management. Up to now, most literature solely focuses on the need for strong strategic leadership to build and lead the transformation. This study was directed at future leadership behaviors and skills needed during and after digital transformation of management below senior level. An exploratory approach to review literature on digital transformation and leadership was used, inspired by the PRISMA protocol. Our findings show that digital transformation is a disruptive process that impacts the whole organization and results in new forms of working. This calls for altro-centric leadership, an other-centered leadership style. Specifically, soft skills such as empathy, humility, integrity and compassion are becoming increasingly important, as is understanding the power of digital technology. The emergence of artificial intelligence offers interesting opportunities. It could be used to handle quantifiable managerial tasks and evaluate the quantifiable part of performance, while managers focus on the soft skills side of management such as coaching, motivating and empowering employees. This study demonstrates the necessity to redefine leadership requirements in an increasingly digitalized world.

Suggested Citation

  • Maartje Henderikx & Jol Stoffers, 2022. "An Exploratory Literature Study into Digital Transformation and Leadership: Toward Future-Proof Middle Managers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:2:p:687-:d:720692
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emily Henriette & Mondher Feki & Imed Boughzala, 2016. "Digital transformation challenges," Post-Print hal-01413172, HAL.
    2. Emily Henriette & Mondher Feki & Imed Boughzala, 2016. "Digital transformation challenges," Grenoble Ecole de Management (Post-Print) hal-01413172, HAL.
    3. Verhoef, Peter C. & Broekhuizen, Thijs & Bart, Yakov & Bhattacharya, Abhi & Qi Dong, John & Fabian, Nicolai & Haenlein, Michael, 2021. "Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 889-901.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiao Han & Yang Zheng, 2022. "Driving Elements of Enterprise Digital Transformation Based on the Perspective of Dynamic Evolution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Marco Cioppi & Ilaria Curina & Barbara Francioni & Elisabetta Savelli, 2023. "Digital transformation and marketing: a systematic and thematic literature review," Italian Journal of Marketing, Springer, vol. 2023(2), pages 207-288, June.

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