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Leading psychologically safe digitally enabled project teams

Author

Listed:
  • Papadonikolaki, Eleni
  • Morgan, Bethan

Abstract

Using a human-centric view, this work investigates how digitalization impacts the human and social capital of projects beyond task orientation. How do leaders nurture psychological safety—encouraging interpersonal risk-taking—to support digitalization, fostering creativity, learning and growth? Through empirical research with interviews, focus groups, and soft systems methodology, we identified six factors conducive to psychological safety in digitally enabled projects: adaptability, learning, communication, organizational development, technology, and workplace. The findings revealed a threefold role for leadership in developing innovative and highly collaborative project teams: strategic leadership, horizontal leadership, and project leadership, positioning human and social capital at the core of digitalization in projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Papadonikolaki, Eleni & Morgan, Bethan, 2026. "Leading psychologically safe digitally enabled project teams," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 140978, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:140978
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/140978/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General

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