In this work on the topic of Digital Leadership Excellence, the theoretical basics are explained at the beginning, the concept of leadership is defined more precisely, but classic models with regard to leadership roles, leadership dimensions and leadership approaches are also examined in more detail. The megatrend of digitalization and the associated need for special evaluation models for virtual teams will then be presented. Based on this, it is derived to what extent these theories are still valid in times of the VUCA environment.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical foundations
2.1 Importance of Leadership & Leadership Roles
2.2 Competence profile of a manager and leadership dimensions
2.3 Classic management approaches
2.3.1 Person-centered leadership approaches
2.3.2 Behavioural leadership approaches
2.3.3 Situation-oriented management approaches
2.3.4 Interaction-oriented leadership approaches
2.4 Digitalization as the most important megatrend
2.4.1 Influence of digitalization
2.4.2 Evaluation in virtual teams
3. Changed requirements for managers
3.1 Shifts in competence
3.2 Roles of a manager
3.3 Changed management approaches
3.4 Changed management tasks
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This thesis examines the evolving requirements for leaders in the era of digital transformation. It investigates how traditional leadership models must be adapted to meet the challenges of a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) environment, particularly focusing on the shift toward virtual team collaboration and participatory leadership.
- The impact of digitalization as a primary megatrend on corporate structures and processes.
- Transformation of required leadership competencies and roles in the digital age.
- Challenges of managing and evaluating virtual teams.
- The transition from authoritarian management styles to collaborative, coach-oriented leadership.
- The importance of motivation and trust-building in a modern, technology-driven working environment.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4.1 Influence of digitalization
For many years, globalization as a megatrend has been one of the decisive trends for economic development. Other important factors for society were the individualization and the new role of women and demographic change and the associated shortage of skilled workers. In recent years, however, it has become clear that the world of work in particular will be affected by digitization as the dominant driver. In Germany, 94 percent of companies assume that digitization will affect their business and work processes in the future. It is irrelevant whether they are global players or family businesses, the latter also saw digitization as by far the most important trend in 2016.
Digitalization has a major influence across industries, whereby currently, but also in the future, the customer service, marketing and sales divisions in particular are affected by their effects. First of all, however, it is important to clarify in what form this will affect everyday life. For this purpose, a definition of the concept of digitization must be worked out.
In general, digitization is the capture and mapping of the world in digital form in order to network information and processes. The purpose is to create new products and services on this basis. Above all, the increasing penetration of the population with the help of the Internet has led to round-the-clock accessibility ("always on" attitude) and networking with each other. Constantly increasing transmission speeds favor the exchange of large amounts of data within a very short time. Fields of application such as social media have gained in importance as a means of communication in the private sphere. But they also penetrate companies in the professional environment. As a means of communication with business partners, but also in the recruiting process, as well as in internal communication in companies. In addition, the increasing networking of people and objects in the form of automated processes enables a more efficient way of working. In the future, digitalization will therefore lead to a change in the existing understanding of employees, customers, business relationships and complete value chains.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the impact of global megatrends like digitalization on the economy and the resulting necessity for a paradigm shift in leadership within companies.
2. Theoretical foundations: Explores fundamental leadership concepts, including classic management approaches and the influence of digitalization on professional work environments.
3. Changed requirements for managers: Analyzes the necessary shifts in competencies, roles, and management tasks required for modern leaders to be successful in a digitalized environment.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings and highlights that modern leadership excellence requires a flexible, relationship-oriented approach to bridge technology and human needs.
Keywords
Digital Leadership, Digital Transformation, VUCA, Management Approaches, Virtual Teams, Leadership Competencies, Personnel Management, Industry 4.0, Change Management, Employee Motivation, Communication Culture, Collaborative Leadership, Digitalization, Leadership Excellence, Organizational Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The work focuses on the changing requirements for modern managers amidst the ongoing digital transformation and the challenges posed by a VUCA environment.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the impact of digitalization, shifts in leadership competencies, management of virtual teams, and the transition toward participatory leadership styles.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to analyze how traditional leadership theories remain valid in the digital age and what specific adaptations are required for leaders to ensure corporate success.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The thesis employs a theoretical examination of leadership models, supplemented by analysis of current industry trends and the derivation of a modern competency profile.
What does the main part of the document cover?
The main part reviews leadership foundations, examines the megatrend of digitalization, identifies new manager roles, and discusses evolutionary management approaches.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Digital Leadership, VUCA, Virtual Teams, Leadership Excellence, and Digital Transformation.
How does digitalization affect the traditional role of a leader?
Digitalization shifts the leader's role from an authoritarian controller to a coach and mentor who facilitates transparent communication and fosters a culture of trust.
What challenges are specific to virtual teams according to the text?
Challenges include communication deficiencies due to lack of non-verbal cues, potential for conflict, lack of trust, and the need for higher self-organization among employees.
Why is the VIST model mentioned?
The VIST model is introduced as a framework for assessing motivational influencing factors—valence, instrumentality, self-efficacy, and trust—crucial for team performance.
What is the significance of the "management cycle" presented?
The cycle illustrates standardized management tasks such as goal setting, planning, decision-making, implementation, and control, demonstrating how experience flows back into new processes.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stefan Reinpold (Autor:in), 2017, Requirements for the "modern" leader: Leadership Excellence in the context of Digital Leadership, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1180583
