The Role of Leadership in Successful Digital Transformation

Abstract: Digital transformation is a big challenge for organisations in various sectors, not only in terms of implementing new technologies, but also in changing work culture and individual mindsets. This research aims to analyse the role of leadership in the success of digital transformation through a qualitative approach based on literature study. The results show that transformational leadership with strategic vision, adaptability, and risk-taking have a positive correlation with successful digitalisation. Resistance to change and lack of digital understanding among leaders are the main obstacles that often cause digital transformation failure. To overcome these challenges, leaders must build a culture of innovation, improve employees’ digital literacy, and implement data-driven strategies in decision-making. By applying a flexible and innovative leadership approach, organisations can improve their competitiveness and ensure the success of digital transformation. This research provides an academic contribution in understanding the leadership factors that play a role in digitalisation as well as practical recommendations for organisational leaders in facing the digital era.

Keywords: Leadership, Digital Transformation, Innovation, Change Management, Digital Literacy.