Digital leadership framework to support firm-level digital transformations for Construction 4.0

Abstract

Purpose Against a background context of Construction 4.0, this study aims to explore what digital leadership in construction firms is, why it is necessary and what considerations it involves. It provides a digital leadership considerations framework to aid organisational digital transformations. Design/methodology/approach To address the research question informing what digital leadership involves, an interpretivist study was conducted. Eleven purposively selected expert practitioners, including construction business leaders and company digital champions were surveyed using in-depth semi-structured interviews. This obtained insights and reflections on how construction leaders can impel digital transformations. Findings How construction leaders can embed the skills to drive such transformation in their firms, what the essential digital skills for construction businesses now are in Construction 4.0 and how leaders can attempt to evaluate the value of digital technology for their business practices, are all crystallised. Impacts of digital transformations on the construction workplace are also highlighted. Practical implications Because of this work, business leaders will be better equipped to lead and support further digital transformation efforts in Construction 4.0. Future research directions aid academics. Originality/value Clear definitions of digital transformation and digital leadership are provided, and a digital leadership considerations framework is provided to support firm-level digital transformations for Construction 4.0.

Knowledge Mapping of Digital Leadership and Research Agenda: The Open Knowledge Maps Perspective

“…The implementation of digital leadership for business and public organizations is in cluster-1. The discussion contained in the cluster is divided into digital transformation [41], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46], [47], [48], the correlation of digital leadership to performance [49], [50], a digital leadership framework for organizations [51], [52], and an overview of the concept of digital leadership [53], [54].…”

Digital Leadership: Navigating the Future with Strategic Conviction

“…Leaders who can navigate the complexities of the digital landscape are essential for organizations striving to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world (Zulu et al, 2023). Building digital leadership skills involves a combination of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and guide teams through digital transformation (Gledson et al, 2023).…”