In times of the digital revolution, everyday work and management in companies is constantly changing. Increasingly complex tasks require new team structures and modern management.
In order to keep up, companies must take the appropriate measures. In her publication, Lena Weinhut shows how this works. She explains the challenges that executives are facing today.
What skills should a successful digital leader have? How does every company manage to successfully shape digital change? Weinhut makes it clear that the digital transformation determines the competitiveness of a company.
From the content:
- Digitalization;
- Digital Transformation;
- Employees;
- Leadership
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Leadership
2.1 Definition and meaning
2.2 Management tasks
2.3 Definition of terms: Management versus Leadership
2.4 Traditional leadership approaches
2.4.1 Person-centered approaches
2.4.2 Preservation-oriented approaches
2.4.3 Situation-theoretical approaches
2.5 New Leadership Approach
2.5.1 Guided tour
2.5.2 Transformational leadership
3 Current challenges for leadership and executives
3.1 Megatrend Digitalization
3.2 Effects of digitalization on the world of work and leadership
4 Digital Leadership
4.1 Definition and meaning
4.2 New requirements for leadership and executives
4.2.1 Changed management tasks
4.2.2 Leadership in the so-called VUCA world
4.2.3 Ambidexterity: The ambidexterity of leadership
4.2.4 Digital transformation of the company
4.3 Selected Digital Leadership Approache
4.3.1 Leadership at a distance in virtual teams
4.3.2 Leadership with social media
4.3.3 Leadership without hierarchical power
4.4 Relevance of Digital Leadership
4.5 Competences of a digital leader
4.6 Critical look at the digital leadership approach in the context of digitization
4.6.1 Potentials and advantages
4.6.2 Critics and disadvantages
5 Conclusion and Outlook
Objectives & Core Topics
This thesis explores the paradigm shift in corporate management triggered by digitalization. It aims to define "digital leadership" and evaluate how modern executives can adapt their management tasks and competencies to thrive in a digital, volatile environment.
- The transition from traditional, hierarchical leadership to agile, digital models.
- Impact of the "VUCA" world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) on management.
- Challenges of leading virtual teams and managing digital transformation.
- Critical examination of the "digital leader" profile and necessary soft and hard skills.
- The role of ambidexterity in balancing efficiency with innovative speed.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2.2 Leadership in the so-called VUCA world
The revolutionary change of the environment in the 21st century is not only taking place in the economy. Changes in the political and military spheres cannot be overlooked either. The term "VUCA" originally comes from the military sector. It was first minted at the U.S. Army War College, the college for future generals. (cf. Euchner and Johansen 2013).
The term "VUCA" describes an environment characterized by instability and chaos. The word "VUCA" is an acronym for the English terms volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (cf. Mack et al. 2016, p. 5).
Thomas Friedman, a Columnist for the New York Times, introduced the term into the economic context. He examined technologically advanced companies and found the following:
"Those companies who fail, did so because they were dominated by the technological opportunities that were available. Those who are successful such as Apple, Google, 3 M and Amazon, seem to be able to adapt and were able to implement technology in a high speed." (Nandram and Bindlish 2017, p. 3)
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the digital transformation of society and the economy, framing leadership as a core challenge for executives in this new reality.
2 Leadership: Covers fundamental leadership theories, management tasks, and the distinction between management and leadership, leading into transactional and transformational models.
3 Current challenges for leadership and executives: Analyzes the impact of the megatrend "digitization" on organizational structures, labor demands, and business models.
4 Digital Leadership: The main section detailing the definition, requirements, and competencies of digital leadership, including virtual team management and digital transformation strategies.
5 Conclusion and Outlook: Synthesizes the core findings, emphasizing that digital leadership is not a temporary trend but an essential requirement for long-term competitiveness.
Keywords
Digital Leadership, Digitalization, VUCA, Change Management, Transformational Leadership, Virtual Teams, Ambidexterity, Digital Transformation, Competencies, Industry 4.0, Management Tasks, Corporate Culture, Agile Leadership, Organizational Change, Collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work focuses on the changing requirements for leadership and executives (FK) in the era of digital transformation, aiming to delineate "digital leadership" as a concept and practice.
Which thematic fields are central to the analysis?
Central themes include the impact of digitization on working environments, the transition from hierarchical to agile structures, and the identification of competencies required for modern digital leaders.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The aim is to identify and analyze the new challenges and demands on leadership in the digital age and to derive the key competencies necessary for a successful "digital leader" figure.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The thesis is based on a comprehensive literature review and an analysis of existing studies (such as those by MIT, Capgemini, and the Institute for Leadership Culture) to examine current trends and management strategies.
What topics are discussed in the main part of the work?
The main section covers traditional vs. new leadership approaches, the challenges of the VUCA environment, ambidexterity, digital transformation strategies, and the practical application of social media and virtual team management.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Digital Leadership, VUCA, Transformational Leadership, Virtual Teams, and Organizational Change.
What is the significance of the "VUCA" model in this context?
VUCA describes the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment that makes traditional, power-based hierarchical leadership increasingly ineffective, necessitating more agile and adaptive approaches.
How does the author define a "Digital Leader"?
A digital leader is someone who acts as an initiator of digital transformation, possesses a "digital mindset," promotes participation, and empowers the team to adapt to new digital requirements while fostering trust and innovation.
What role does "ambidexterity" play for modern managers?
Ambidexterity refers to the leader's ability to balance "exploitation" (efficiency and optimization of existing business) with "exploration" (innovation and speed), which is crucial for survival in the digital economy.
Are hierarchies becoming obsolete?
The work suggests that while pure authoritarian hierarchies are losing relevance, a complete absence of hierarchy is often unrealistic; instead, companies are moving toward a combination of stable hierarchical structures and dynamic, horizontal networks.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Lena Weinhut (Autor:in), 2018, Digital Leadership Requirements for Modern Managers, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1222616
