Digital Leadership and Organizational Transformation: A Literature Review

Authors

  • Sri Nuraini Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21831/jwuny.v7i2.85286

Abstract

This article aims to systematically review literature related to the role of digital leadership in driving organizational transformation in the era of technological disruption. This research employs a literature review method by collecting and analyzing scientific articles from various indexed databases, such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, published between 2019-2024. The inclusion criteria encompass articles relevant to digital leadership and organizational transformation themes in both public and private sectors. The review findings indicate that digital leadership significantly contributes to the success of organizational transformation by strengthening digital vision, enhancing change management, and increasing innovation capacity. Digital leaders are required to possess competencies in technology, collaborative communication, and adaptive change management. However, digital leadership implementation also faces challenges such as organizational culture resistance, digital infrastructure limitations, and a lack of technological literacy at leadership levels. This study recommends the need for developing digital leadership models that align with local contexts and sectoral characteristics to comprehensively enhance digital transformation effectiveness.

References

Ademola, O. E. (2024). Leadership Strategies for Successful E-Government and ICT Implementation in Public Administration: A Literature Review. Advances in Multidisciplinary & Scientific Research Journal Publication, 10(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.22624/aims/sij/v10n3p1

Agustina, R., Kamdi, W., Hadi, S., Muladi, M., & Nurhadi, D. (2020). Influence of the Principal’s Digital Leadership on the Reflective Practices of Vocational Teachers Mediated by Trust, Self Efficacy, and Work Engagement. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 19(11), 24–40. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.11.2

Alajmi, M. (2022). The Impact of Digital Leadership on Teachers’ Technology Integration During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kuwait. International Journal of Educational Research, 112, 101928. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2022.101928

Armiyanti, A., Sutrisna, T., Yulianti, L., Lova, N. R., & Komara, E. (2023). Kepemimpinan Transformasional Dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Layanan Pendidikan. Jurnal Educatio Fkip Unma, 9(2), 1061–1070. https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v9i2.5104

Comlek, O. (2025). A Study on Leadership, Organizational Culture and Digital Transformation in Dentistry. Northern Clinics of

Istanbul, 153–161. https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2025.48897

Dema, H., Hamid, H., & Barisan, B. (2023). Transformational Leadership in Supporting Innovative Digital Governance. Journal of Government and Politics. https://doi.org/10.18196/jgp.v14i1.13528

Efianingrum, A., Hanum, F., Cathrin, S., & Hardianto, D. (2025). The urgency of anti-bullying digital literacy in habituating the character of junior high school students in Yogyakarta city. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025462

Fitriani, F., Lekatompessy, R. L., Tambajong, H., Kontu, F., Laode, I. C., Haris, U., & Jeujanan, W. (2023). Digital Leadership in Managing Public Organization Indonesia. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 49(1), 383–388. https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v49i1.9829

Gachugu, E. (2023). The Role of Transformational Leadership on Digital Innovation and Performance in Large Organizations. Journal of Strategic Management, 7(5), 82–93. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2186

Istiqomah, I., & Burhanuddin, B. (2022). The Role of Transformational Leadership in Organizational Change. International Research-Based Education Journal, 4(2), 148. https://doi.org/10.17977/um043v4i2p148-162

Khisro, J., Lindroth, T., & Magnusson, J. (2021). Mechanisms of Constraint: A Clinical Inquiry of Digital Infrastructuring in Municipalities. Transforming Government People Process and Policy, 16(1), 81–96. https://doi.org/10.1108/tg-01-2021-0014

Khurniawan, A. W., Irmawaty, I., & Supriadi, D. (2024). The Impact of Digital Leadership on Digital Transformation in University Organizations: An Analysis of Students’ Views. Perspectives of Science and Education, 67(1), 677–690. https://doi.org/10.32744/pse.2024.1.38

Lamuri, A. B., & Laki, R. (2022). Transformasi Pendidikan Dalam Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Yang Berkarakter Di Era Disrupsi. Guru Tua Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran, 5(2), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.31970/gurutua.v5i2.122

Lindqvist, M. H., & Pettersson, F. (2019). Digitalization and School Leadership: On the Complexity of Leading for Digitalization in School. International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 36(3), 218–230. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijilt-11-2018-0126

Liu, F., & Khong-Khai, S. (2024). A Comparative Study of Transactional and Transformational Leadership in the Context of the Digital Economy. Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 59(2). https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.59.2.31

Maharani, R., Wijayanti, W., Zafrullah, Z., & Gunawan, R. N. (2025). The Effect of Principal Leadership, Organizational Culture, and Teacher Commitment on Teacher Performance in Senior High Schools. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(1), 177–191. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i1.6192

Manik, S. P., & Juwono, V. (2024). Strategi Transformasi Digital Dalam Tata Kelola Pemerintahan: Studi Pada Kementerian Keuangan. Briliant Jurnal Riset Dan Konseptual, 9(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.28926/briliant.v9i1.1623

Mannayong, J., S, H. M. R., & Faisal, M. (2024). Transformasi Digital Dan Partisipasi Masyarakat: Mewujudkan Keterlibatan Publik Yang Lebih Aktif. Jurnal Administrasi Publik, 20(1), 53–75. https://doi.org/10.52316/jap.v20i1.260

Ming, G. K., & Mansor, M. (2024). Unveiling Digital Leadership: Exploring Models and Theories. South Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(4), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.48165/sajssh.2024.5401

Mollah, M. A., Choi, J., Hwang, S.-J., & Shin, J.-K. (2023). Exploring a Pathway to Sustainable Organizational Performance of South Korea in the Digital Age: The Effect of Digital Leadership on IT Capabilities and Organizational Learning. Sustainability, 15(10), 7875. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107875

Musaigwa, M., & Kalitanyi, V. (2023). Examining the Leadership Approaches Adopted by Fintech Management When Implementing Organizational Change Prompted by Digital Transformation. Technology Audit and Production Reserves, 4(4(72)), 20–27. https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2023.286627

Mushtaq, N., Hussain, F., Dad, A., Rehman, S. U., & Waseem, M. (2024). Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Business Performance in SMEs of Pakistan: An Empirical Study. Abbdm, 3(2), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.62019/abbdm.v3i2.92

NS, M., Rahman, A., & Habiburrahman, S. (2022). Madrasah Leadership in the Post COVID-19 Era: Lesson Learn From Crisis in Indonesia. EduLine: Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 2(2), 193–198. https://doi.org/10.35877/454ri.eduline1037

Pahira, S. H., & Rinaldy, R. (2023). Pentingnya Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia (MSDM) Dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Organisasi. Comserva Jurnal Penelitian Dan Pengabdian Masyarakat, 3(03), 810–817. https://doi.org/10.59141/comserva.v3i03.882

Pangandaheng, F., Maramis, J. B., Saerang, D. P. E., Dotulong, L. O. H., & Soepeno, D. (2022). Transformasi Digital: Sebuah Tinjauan Literatur Pada Sektor Bisnis Dan Pemerintah. Jurnal Emba Jurnal Riset Ekonomi Manajemen Bisnis Dan Akuntansi, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.35794/emba.v10i2.41388

Paul, C., & Victor, E. V. (2023). Digital Divide and Uptake of Public E-Service in Nigeria: A Narrative Review. Journal of Technology Innovations and Energy, 2(4), 27–41. https://doi.org/10.56556/jtie.v2i4.656

Putra, D. A., & Rulloh, A. (2023). Model Kepemimpinan Strategis Dalam Menghadapi Radikalisme Dan Terorisme. MJPM, 1(3), 508–519. https://doi.org/10.60126/maras.v1i3.90

Qiao, G., Li, Y., & Hong, A. (2024). The Strategic Role of Digital Transformation: Leveraging Digital Leadership to Enhance Employee Performance and Organizational Commitment in the Digital Era. Systems, 12(11), 457. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12110457

Raza, T., Ali, S. A., & Majeed, M. U. (2024). Transformational Leadership and Project Success: The Roles of Social Capital and Self-Efficacy. International Journal of Management Studies, 31(1), 335–371. https://doi.org/10.32890/ijms2024.31.1.12

Retnowati, C. N., & Santosa, B. (2023). Digital Leadership, Culture &Amp; Employee Capabilities: Sustainable Organizational Performance in Education - A Case Study. Enrichment Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 1(6), 257–265. https://doi.org/10.55324/enrichment.v1i5.36

Roman, A. V, Wart, M. V, Wang, X., Liu, C., Kim, S., & McCarthy, A. (2018). Defining E‐leadership as Competence in ICT‐Mediated Communications: An Exploratory Assessment. Public Administration Review, 79(6), 853–866. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12980

Ruël, H., Rowlands, H., & Njoku, E. (2020). Digital Business Strategizing: The Role of Leadership and Organizational Learning. Competitiveness Review an International Business Journal Incorporating Journal of Global Competitiveness, 31(1), 145–161. https://doi.org/10.1108/cr-11-2019-0109

Ruhmi, F., & Yuliana, L. (2025). Patterns of Principal Academic Supervision in the Digital Age at Madrasah Tsanawiyah. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(1), 141–151. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i1.6050

Rustandi, R. (2019). Kinerja Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia Di Era Disrupsi. Kebijakan Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi, 10(2), 67–73. https://doi.org/10.23969/kebijakan.v10i2.1653

Samuel, L., & Ramli, A. H. (2024). Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Digital Dan Pemberdayaan Karyawan Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Dimediasi Oleh Komitmen Organisasi Pada Industri Manufaktur. Journal of Economics and Business Ubs, 13(1), 282–295. https://doi.org/10.52644/joeb.v13i1.1501

Sari, P., Purba, S., Rangkuti, I., & Nasrun, N. (2023). Perspectives on Educational Leadership and Decision-Making in the Era of Digitalization. JMSP (Jurnal Manajemen Dan Supervisi Pendidikan), 8(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.17977/um025v8i12023p34

Sasmoko, S., Mihardjo, L. W., Alamsjah, F., & Elidjen, E. (2019). Dynamic Capability: The Effect of Digital Leadership on Fostering Innovation Capability Based on Market Orientation. Management Science Letters, 1633–1644. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.msl.2019.5.024

Senadjki, A., Yong, H. N. A., Ganapathy, T., & Ogbeibu, S. (2023). Unlocking the Potential: The impact of Digital Leadership On firms’ Performance Through Digital Transformation. Journal of Business and Socio-Economic Development, 4(2), 161–177. https://doi.org/10.1108/jbsed-06-2023-0050

Suhermawan, S. F. N., Mulyana, R., & Ramadani, L. (2023). Analisis Pengaruh Tata Kelola Ti Terhadap Transformasi Digital Dan Kinerja Kementerian A. Jipi (Jurnal Ilmiah Penelitian Dan Pembelajaran Informatika), 8(2), 370–380. https://doi.org/10.29100/jipi.v8i2.3433

Sunaryo, W. A. (2021). Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi Dan Gaya Kepemimpinan Digital Terhadap Motivasi Dan Dampaknya Pada Kinerja Karyawan PT. Hexa Dental Indonesia Di Bogor. Jurnal Sosial Teknologi, 1(9). https://doi.org/10.59188/jurnalsostech.v1i9.205

Tulungen, E. E., Saerang, D. P., & Maramis, J. B. (2022). Transformasi Digital : Peran Kepemimpinan Digital. Jurnal Emba Jurnal Riset Ekonomi Manajemen Bisnis Dan Akuntansi, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.35794/emba.v10i2.41399

Tutar, H., & GÜLER, S. (2022). Digital Leadership as a Requirement for the New Business Ecosystem: A Conceptual Review. Cankiri Karatekin Universitesi Iktisadi Ve Idari Bilimler Fakultesi Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.18074/ckuiibfd.1162792

Wang, T., Lin, X., & Sheng, F. (2022). Digital Leadership and Exploratory Innovation: From the Dual Perspectives of Strategic Orientation and Organizational Culture. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.902693

Worapongpat, N., Cai, Q., & Wongsawad, T. (2024). Creating and Validating a Digital Leadership Model for University Teachers,

Liaoning Province. Jelr, 1(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.60027/jelr.2024.740

Yu, J., & Moon, T. (2021). Impact of Digital Strategic Orientation on Organizational Performance Through Digital Competence. Sustainability, 13(17), 9766. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179766

Ziadlou, D. (2021). Strategies During Digital Transformation to Make Progress in Achievement of Sustainable Development by 2030. Leadership in Health Services, 34(4), 375–391. https://doi.org/10.1108/lhs-08-2020-0056

Zulu, S. L., & Khosrowshahi, F. (2021). A Taxonomy of Digital Leadership in the Construction Industry. Construction Management and Economics, 39(7), 565–578. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2021.1930080

Downloads

Published

2025-10-19

How to Cite

Nuraini, S. (2025). Digital Leadership and Organizational Transformation: A Literature Review. Jurnal Ilmiah WUNY, 7(2), 112–126. https://doi.org/10.21831/jwuny.v7i2.85286

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): Jurnal Ilmiah WUNY

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Sri Nuraini

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.