DIGITAL LEADERSHIP IN CIVIL SERVICE: BALANCING ARTIFICIAL AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence in public administration and to justify the concept of digital leadership, which integrates technological solutions with the socio-emotional competencies of civil servants. The study explores how the balanced implementation of AI and EI contributes to improving decision-making quality, adaptability to changes, and effective leadership in public governance. Design / methodology / approach. The study employs a systematic analysis to identify the structural connections between AI, EI, and leadership in public administration. A comparative analysis is applied to assess existing models of digital governance, while modeling is used to develop an integrated concept of digital leadership. This methodological approach enables the identification of key challenges associated with AI adoption, including algorithmic bias, the digital competence gap among public officials, and trust issues regarding automated decision-making. Findings. The study establishes that the effective interaction between AI and EI in public administration is feasible only when leaders possess a combination of cognitive, emotional, and technological competencies. It is demonstrated that excessive automation without consideration of social aspects reduces public trust in government institutions and creates barriers in leader-subordinate communication. The research proposes a digital leadership model that harmonizes strategic thinking, adaptive personnel management, and AI-driven decision support. This model ensures that AI enhances governance efficiency without undermining the role of human expertise and social responsibility. Practical implications. The study provides practical recommendations for improving leadership strategies in public administration, focusing on the development of digital competencies among civil servants, increasing the transparency of algorithmic decision-making, and implementing ethical oversight mechanisms for AI use. The findings contribute to the enhancement of governance strategies that balance technological advancements with human-oriented leadership principles. Originality / value. The research is significant in the context of ongoing digital transformation in public administration. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating AI into decision-making processes while preserving the role of EI in leadership effectiveness. The proposed model of digital leadership offers a novel approach to optimizing governance structures, ensuring their adaptability, and maintaining trust in public institutions amid rapid technological advancements. Future research directions. Further studies should focus on expanding AI capabilities for personalized leadership training, evaluating the effectiveness of emotional intelligence analysis in personnel policy, and developing regulatory frameworks to govern AI's influence on public administration processes.