INFLUENCE OF LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS IN SMART MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY 4.0; A FOCUS ON IMO STATE NIGERIA

This study investigates the influence of leadership competencies on multidisciplinary teams within smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0) firms in Imo State, Nigeria. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 100 respondents across four Industry 4.0-aligned enterprises, employing a convenience sampling method. The research adopted a positivist paradigm with an inductive approach, analyzing data via SPSS during the 2025 observation period. Findings show that effective leadership significantly enhances collaboration, conflict resolution, and adaptability in cross-functional teams. The study contributes to knowledge by linking leadership style to high-performance manufacturing teams. It highlights the need for capacity-building in digital leadership as a strategy for successful Industry 4.0 adoption.