The study examines the effects of digitalization on leadership in large Slovenian work
organizations and the key competencies for successful leadership in the digital age. The aim
of the research is to explore this field, which remains relatively unexplored both in Slovenia
and globally. I employed a mixed-method approach, combining an exploratory research design
for in-depth understanding, conducting semi-structured individual interviews with 18 board
members and executives in large Slovenian organizations, and a quantitative component using
Bartram’s Great Eight Competencies questionnaire. Digitalization is profoundly transforming
industries, work organizations, and jobs, thereby reshaping the conditions and context for
leadership. Leaders perceive digitalization as an organizational transformation, reporting both
numerous positive aspects and new opportunities, while also acknowledging that leadership
has become increasingly complex. Key challenges emerge in managing employees, education
and development, efficiency, interpersonal relationships, work motivation, psychological
resilience, stress management, work-life balance, and talent selection and recruitment.
Although effective leadership approaches vary across different periods, the core principles
and foundations of leadership remain unchanged. The most critical competencies for successful
leadership in the digital era are adaptability, coping, creating, and conceptualizing.
Leaders play a crucial role in digitalization—arguably even more than before—along with the
importance of a personal approach and human interaction. Leaders believe this will continue
to hold true in the future. This study contributes to a better understanding of leadership in
the digital age and highlights the competencies essential for successful leadership in this
context. It offers guidelines for leadership skill development and strategies for adapting to
rapid changes, providing a foundation for sharing best practices among leaders in this field.
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