Open Access Research List

Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation

Digital Leadership:
A Systematic Literature Review

  • Source: MDPI – Administrative Sciences, April 2025

  • DOI: 10.3390/admsci15040129

  • Abstract: This systematic review analyzes 74 studies from 2000 to 2022, identifying key themes such as digital transformation, virtual teams, and creativity. The study emphasizes that effective digital leadership requires both technological proficiency and human-centered competencies, with significant applications in the education sector.

Digital Leadership and Transformation in Contemporary Times

  • Source: ResearchGate / IGI Global, January 2024

  • DOI: 10.4018/IJDSGBT.352047

  • Abstract: This review of 64 studies highlights critical competencies for digital leaders, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and ethical considerations. It presents case studies showcasing best practices and strategies for successful digital transformations.

Leadership Competencies & Digital Skills

Digital Leadership: Towards a Dynamic Managerial Capability

  • Source: SAGE Journals, March 2025

  • DOI: 10.1177/15480518251319624

  • Abstract: This study explores how leaders can dynamically manage AI tools and processes. Findings suggest that such capabilities are crucial for success in organizations where AI plays a central role.

Digital Transformation Leadership Competencies: A Contingency Perspective

  • Source: ScienceDirect, 2023

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.im.2023.103648

  • Abstract: Proposing a contingency-based perspective, this study identifies specific competencies required for digital transformation. It underscores that varying situations necessitate different leadership approaches.

The Digital Leader: What One Needs to Master Today’s Organisational Challenges

  • Authors: Milan Frederik Klus & Julia Müller

  • Published in: Journal of Business Economics, April 2021

  • DOI: 10.1007/s11573-021-01040-1

  • Abstract: This study investigates the competencies required for digital leaders to navigate contemporary organizational challenges. Through an online survey with executives, the research identifies entrepreneurial thinking, self-organization, IT skills, motivational ability, flexibility, commitment, and creativity as key traits. Interestingly, being a strong team player was not necessarily advantageous. The findings suggest that the ability to decelerate and manage information overload is crucial in the digital age.

Digital Leadership and Exploratory Innovation: From the Dual Perspectives of Organizational Management and Business Management

  • Authors: [Authors not specified in the provided excerpt]

  • Published in: Frontiers in Psychology, 2022

  • DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.902693

  • Abstract: This study examines how digital leadership influences exploratory innovation within organizations. It proposes that digital entrepreneurial orientation and digital organizational culture mediate this relationship. Additionally, big data analytics capabilities are found to strengthen the effect of digital leadership on innovation. The research highlights the importance of digital leaders in fostering an environment conducive to innovation through strategic orientation and cultural development.

Building Digital-Ready Leaders: Development and Validation of the Digital Leadership Scale (DLS)

  • Authors: [Authors not specified in the provided excerpt]

  • Published in: Digital, 2024

  • DOI: 10.3390/digital5010007

  • Abstract: This paper introduces the Digital Leadership Scale (DLS), a validated self-assessment tool designed to measure a leader's capabilities across seven human-centric dimensions essential for digital transformation: Positive Attitude, Ethical AI Use, Growth Mindset, Track Record, Transparent Agenda, Skills Acquisition, and Participative Style. The DLS serves as a practical framework for organizations to identify and develop digital-ready leaders, emphasizing the blend of technical expertise and human-centric traits necessary for successful digital transformation.

Public Sector & Education

Digital Leadership in the Public Sector: A Scoping Review and Outlook

  • Source: Taylor & Francis, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1080/12294659.2024.2323847

  • Abstract: This scoping review examines recent studies on digital leadership in the public sector, identifying key competencies and challenges faced by digital leaders. It offers insights into future research directions.

Digital Leadership in Higher Education: A Systematic Review

  • Source: ScienceDirect, 2022

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09324

  • Abstract: Analyzing empirical studies from 1999 to 2022, this review assesses the value, focus, and research trends of digital leadership in higher education, proposing a framework for future studies.

Methodologies & Research Trends

Digital Leadership: A Bibliometric Analysis

  • Source: SAGE Journals, 2022

  • DOI: 10.1177/15480518221123132

  • Abstract: This study presents a bibliometric and network analysis combining Scopus and Web of Science databases, offering fresh insights into the evolution of digital leadership research.

Digital Leadership: A Systematic Conceptual Literature Review

Emerging Trends & Future Perspectives

The Digital Leadership Emerging Construct: A Multi-Method Approach

  • Source: Springer, 2023

  • DOI: 10.1007/s11301-023-00395-9

  • Abstract: Combining a systematic literature review with a Delphi study, this research identifies the capabilities leaders need to thrive in digital environments, contributing to the development of digital leadership theory.

Digital Leadership in Meta-Organizations: Emergence of a Renewed Leadership Paradigm

  • Source: Frontiers in Education, 2024

  • DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1465088

  • Abstract: Analyzing the discourse on digital leadership, this article assesses its impact on leadership theory evolution, suggesting that digital leadership represents an advanced form of unheroic leadership in complex organizations.