Conceptualizing digital leadership characteristics for successful digital transformation: the case of Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine the attributes of a compelling leader to lead Digital Transformation in a formal organization. The study conceptualized a digital leader with 26 characteristics grouped into 5 roles. Sample respondents were drawn from some organizations in Tanzania and a self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection. Preliminary analysis involved examining inter-correlation among leadership attributes, dropping 3 out of 26. Exploratory factor analysis of 23 items produced 7 factors which were grouped into 5 roles while dropping 2 factors with one item each. Only 4 factors and 13 items qualified for confirmatory factor analysis which provided better fit for the sample data. The validity check showed that the digital leadership construct somehow converges and the four factors were different from one another. It is implied that good digital leader is anticipated to foster economic growth, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and improve service deliveries.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital leadership
• digital transformation
• exploratory factor analysis
• confirmatory factor analysis
• digital development

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

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Notes on contributors

Mawazo Mwita Magesa

Dr Mawazo Mwita Magesa is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Information and Communication Technology of Sokoine University of Agriculture. His research interests include ICT for sustainable development, digital transformation and development, systems analysis and design, and computer-assisted decision-making.

Joan Jonathan

Ms Joan Jonathan is an Assistant Lecturer at the Centre for Information and Communication Technology of Sokoine University of Agriculture. Her research interests include ICT for Development (ICT4D), Machine Learning and Data Mining for Disease Prediction and Detection, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics, Public Health Surveillance Systems and Digital Transformation.