Digital Leadership Practices In Global Military Forces: Insights For Governance And Technological Adaptation In Defense Organizations

This research examines digital leadership practices in global military forces and explores their implications for governance and technological adaptation in defense organizations. Focusing on the United States Military, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the study employs a comparative case study approach to analyze similarities, differences, and challenges in the adoption of digital leadership strategies. Findings reveal that effective digital leadership enhances operational decision-making, strengthens the integration of advanced technologies, and supports improved control of information flows and resource utilization. However, challenges remain in balancing traditional leadership with emerging digital practices, integrating new technologies with legacy systems, and addressing ethical concerns. Based on these insights, the study provides lessons and recommendations for the Indian Army to enhance its digital leadership capacity while ensuring robust governance of technological transformation. These results contribute to the broader understanding of how digital leadership and governance frameworks can intersect in complex defense environments.