The strategic role of leadership typologies in the success of data projects

Purpose This study develops and validates a multidimensional framework that measures four data leadership (DL) typologies (visionary, decision-maker, executor and educator) and analyzes their impact on project success (PS). Design/methodology/approach Grounded in the convergence of situational leadership and strategic project leadership, this study adopts a three-stage approach. Stage 1 established face and content validity of the DL constructs through expert evaluation (card sorting and content validity index). Stage 2 involves verifying the dimensionality of the DL constructs through exploratory factor analysis, an initial sample (n = 91). Finally, Stage 3 evaluated the measurement and structural models using an expanded sample (n = 171) to analyze the relationship between DL constructs and PS. Findings A multidimensional measurement scale for DL was validated. Results confirm that the visionary, driver and educator typologies are significantly and positively associated with PS. However, the relationship between the decision-maker profile and success was not statistically significant. Research limitations/implications The study demonstrates how specific DL profiles influence PS. These findings enhance understanding at the intersection of data management and project management literatures, clarifying DL’s role in fostering an analytical culture that generates strategic value in projects. Practical implications The measurement instrument developed and the DLPMM conceptual framework proposed offer diagnostic tools and a roadmap for identifying profiles and guiding the development of data project leadership. Originality/value This research addresses an important gap by developing the first empirically validated multidimensional scale for DL. It introduces a distinctive maturity model that links behavioral constructs to strategic data management within the project management literature.