Digital leadership in the context of digital transformation: an integrated theoretical and competency-based framework for remote, hybrid, distributed and virtual teams

Abstract

In the context of the digital transformation of the economy, as well as the rise of remote and hybrid working, the importance of “digital leadership” for a team’s success has increased significantly. Although there is a considerable body of research on digital leadership, digital transformation within organisations and the management of virtual teams, the impact of digital leadership on the success of remote and hybrid teams remains under-explored in contemporary research. Most studies treat digital leadership, digital human resource management and virtual teams as separate subject areas. Consequently, there is a gap in the academic literature regarding the theoretical and practical understanding of the relationship between digital leadership and the key factors that ensure team effectiveness in a digital environment. The aim of this study is to determine the role of digital leadership in ensuring the effectiveness of remote, hybrid, distributed, and virtual teams during the process of digital transformation. The study applied both general and specialised methods, including methods of analysis and generalisation, systemic and comparative approaches, systematisation and conceptual modelling. Through their application, it was possible to identify the essence of digital leadership and systematise its theoretical foundations, as well as key competencies in the context of remote, hybrid, distributed and virtual teams. As a result of the research, the technological, strategic, innovative, learning, communicative and socio-psychological competencies of a digital leader were identified. Based on the integration of contemporary theoretical approaches, an original definition of digital leadership has been formulated and a conceptual model developed, which combines digital technologies, leadership competencies, change management and human capital development. The scientific novelty lies in the development of an integrated, theoretical and competence-oriented approach to digital leadership, which forms the basis for further research into its impact on the effectiveness of remote, hybrid, distributed and virtual teams. The practical value of the findings lies in their potential application to the development of digital leaders’ competencies and the improvement of team management in a digital environment.