Role of artificial intelligence in enhancing leadership effectiveness: a qualitative review of public leaders' knowledge, usage, and challenges

Purpose This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) enhances leadership effectiveness in Ghana's public sector. It examines public sector leaders' knowledge of AI, the key areas where AI is currently applied in public sector leadership practices, the challenges faced in its adoption, and strategies to improve its use to enhance leadership effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing purposive sampling to select 14 public sector leaders from seven ministries in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings The findings reveal that while public leaders possess basic knowledge of AI, there are significant gaps in their technical expertise. AI is primarily applied in communication, decision-making, policy formulation, and public service delivery. However, challenges such as limited knowledge, resistance to change, data privacy, and concerns about ethical issues hinder effective adoption of AI. Leaders expressed a need for structured training, governance frameworks, and better collaboration with AI experts to improve leadership effectiveness. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the potential of AI to improve leadership effectiveness in the public sector. It stresses the need for better training, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration to enhance AI adoption and its benefits in leadership. Originality/value This research contributes to the emerging literature on AI within public sectors, offering unique insights into the barriers and opportunities for AI integration in leadership effectiveness within public administration, particularly in developing countries like Ghana.