Leadership playbooks: a theoretical framework for managing AI’s transformative potential in organizations

Purpose This paper develops theoretical frameworks for managing artificial intelligence’s (AI) transformative potential within organizations through leadership playbooks, exploring how organizations can integrate AI effectively, while preserving ethical standards and organizational effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical framework emerges through narrative literature review and analysis of contemporary leadership practices within AI-enabled organizations. Findings The research demonstrates that successful AI integration demands multifaceted leadership playbooks addressing technical, organizational and ethical dimensions while prioritizing human-centric approaches to technological transformation. Research limitations/implications This study provides theoretical foundations for understanding how leadership practices must evolve to manage AI integration effectively while preserving organizational effectiveness and ethical standards. Practical implications Organizations can apply the developed framework to create comprehensive leadership playbooks guiding AI implementation while addressing associated risks and challenges. Originality/value This paper presents a novel theoretical framework for developing leadership playbooks in AI-enabled organizations, contributing to academic literature and practical organizational management.