Leadership imperative : leveraging digital transformation for enhanced project effectiveness

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of leadership in enabling effective digital transformation (DT) within organisations, emphasising critical competences, styles, and tactics for overcoming DT issues. As digital transformation redefined industries and business processes worldwide, leaders' capacity to adapt and navigate their companies through these intricate changes became essential success determinants. A qualitative methodology was employed, collecting insights via semi-structured interviews with 18 senior executives from several industries. Thematic analysis indicated that leadership styles, including transformational and adaptive approaches, positively influenced digital transformation success by motivating teams, managing opposition to change, and cultivating an innovative culture. Identified key talents included visionary thinking, change management expertise, and technological competency, all essential for guiding teams through the complexity of digital transformation. The findings emphasised problems such as resource limitations, skill deficiencies, and employee opposition, highlighting the necessity for strategic planning and effective communication. This study enhances academic literature by elucidating the role of leadership in digital transformation, providing practical insights for businesses to improve their digital transformation capabilities through leadership development in change management and technology adaptability. The conclusion is that effective digital transformation is primarily propelled by leadership rather than only by technology, offering a framework for developing adaptive and resilient companies in a progressively intricate commercial landscape.