Designing a Digital Transformation Leadership Model in ICT Companies Using Grounded Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Amir Nikkar ¹

Atefeh Farazmand ²

¹ PhD in Business Management - Business Policy, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran. Iran

² Head of Department of Digital Transformation Planning Studies, Communication and Information Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/tmj.2026.96229.1778

Abstract

Nowadays the necessity of organizations synchronization with digital transformation and cultivating digital leaders has been proved. Furthermore in recent years a new leadership style as digital transformation leadership which pertains to human and social dimensions of digital transformation has been proposed and managers lack of awareness about this leadership style is considered one of the most important challenges in success and growth path of ICT companies. The main purpose of this study is to design a digital transformation leadership model in ICT companies through qualitative research method based on grounded theory. Accordingly 15 experts with scientific background and managerial experiences related to the field of digital transformation leadership in ICT companies were selected as the contributors through purposive sampling. Furthermore data collection was obtained through semi-structured. Also Data analysis was performed through three stages including open coding, axial coding and selective coding based on Strauss and Corbin systematic approach and to ensure the validity and credibility of the research, Lincoln and Guba criteria were used. The analysis of results reveals that in the digital transformation leadership model in ICT companies, causal conditions include: leaders’ traits; contextual conditions include: underlying factors and environmental factors; phenomenon includes: digital transformation leadership; intervening conditions include: organizational learning, organizational cohesion, supportive atmosphere and competency-based approach; strategies include: digital culture development and digital skills development; consequences include: organizational achievements encompassing increasing organizational productivity and organizational agility and national achievements encompassing economic and social effects.

Keywords

Digital Transformation

Digital Leadership

Digital Transformation Leadership

Information and Communication Technology

Grounded Theory

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