Leadership Roles and Core Competencies for Driving Digital Transformation

The role of leadership in enabling digital transformation has attracted considerable interest from researchers and practitioners in the swiftly changing digital economy. This study examines the essential role of leadership in adopting digital transformation in organisations, focusing on the necessary skills, challenges, and strategies for its implementation. The study employs qualitative research methods and adopts Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory as its theoretical framework to investigate how leadership influences the adoption of new technologies and promotes organisational adaptability. Data was collected using comprehensive interviews, emphasising that effective leadership in the digital age requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and change management skills. The study comprised nine participants, primarily top managers from the insurance industry. The findings indicate that digital transformation encompasses a technological transition and a profound cultural and organisational revolution. Leaders must possess technical skills, such as data analytics and IoT proficiency, as well as interpersonal qualities, including adaptability and critical thinking, to effectively navigate the intricacies of the digital ecosystem. The research highlights the significance of encouraging employee engagement, reducing resistance to change, and cultivating a culture of trust and collaboration.