Exploring Leadership Strategies in the Era of Digital Transformation: A Management Studies Perspective

Exploring Leadership Strategies in the Era of Digital Transformation: A Management Studies Perspective

Prithivirajan N1, Vinay P1, Babul Ali MD1, Kishore Kumar T1, Mohammed Adel M1*

1Department of Management, Indian Institute of Industry Interaction Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600066

Abstract - In addressing this research objective, this work hopes to include the crucial aspect of leadership styles within the context of change management with a focus on the inclusive leadership. Organizational change, therefore is the act or process of altering the elements of an organization, and this impacts all the stakeholders of the organization down to the subordinate level of the organization and its performance. From the various theories within the literature, it can be posited that organizational change and leadership behaviour during the process can significantly affect the behaviours of the workforce. This qualitative, narrative study describes the experiences of ten managers working for a financial firm in Johannesburg to examine the possibility of both possibility for positive and negative impact change through leadership. These are the issues necessary to establish that there is a proper need for engaging stakeholders in all organizations, and these can never be in a doubt while ensuring that organizations remain inclusive to everyone. This is a good realization but it is easier said than done because it is always easier to try to appeal to everyone even if the change process does not directly impact an employee then the leadership should consider the organizational point of view. The respondents also specify general main types of leadership which are servant, collaborative, and open leadership – characterized by empathy, humility, and flexibility. It also discusses digitized and realistic forms of leadership which are present in the current business society. Chapter recapitulates again concerns that state that leadership styles are crucial in the pursuit of change agenda, gaining commitment and managing change across organisations. Some of the various approaches that have emerged as a result of the advancement of digital shift are; such strategies demand that leaders be technologically and have adequate knowledge on digital techniques.

This study is relevant as it provides a point of reference regarding the leadership style during change; defining leadership strategies and operational strengths required for change, which are necessary for organisations to implement change initiatives systematically. As recommended, it is advised that executives and other managers and leaders at the different tiers continue learning as well as sharpen their skills within the digital arsenal. This means that it becomes critical for organizations to periodically know new leadership approaches in order to effect change where necessary because leadership has a vital role to play in change initiatives.

Key Words:  Inclusive Leadership, Change Management, Organizational Change, Leadership Styles, Digital Leadership, Leadership behaviour, Workforce behaviour