Multilevel competencies of leaders for digital transformation – a systematic literature review

Abstract

KEYWORDS

Multilevel skills. Digital leadership. Digital transformation.

 

Abstract: The digital transformation (TD) replaces the traditional forms of management and operation of organizations by the adhesion of new digital technologies with a focus on strategic thinking aimed at adapting companies to the new digital paradigms. DT requires strategic and analytical skills from leaders that promote a multilevel movement of interdependence and that add economic and social value to individuals and industries. In this sense, the objective of this article is to identify in the literature the competencies of leaders for the digital transformation of industries at an organizational, team and individual level and to characterize the literature publications on the subject. This is research with a qualitative approach focused on the systematic literature review (SLR) of 44 national and international articles analyzed which resulted in the identification of nine leadership skills to promote DT in industries. The competencies identified at the organizational level were alignment with the organization's strategies; integrate, reassess and promote the development of digital skills; promote change in organizational culture. At the team level, they were: influencing, leading and motivating people; promote digital initiatives forming multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams; and, at an individual level: constant adaptation in the way of leading; multidisciplinary capabilities; clear and objective communication and digital fluency. Identifying these nine competencies will help organizations carry out a self-diagnosis of multilevel competencies that will reveal the need to develop these leaderships to maintain and leverage DT in organizations.