Identification and Explanation of the Dimensions and Components of Digital Transformation Leadership in Electric Power Distribution Companies

Enayatollah  Esfandiari Nejad; Alireza Amirkabiri; Hassan  Givorian

Authors

Enayatollah Esfandiari Nejad Department of Public Administration, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6103-7034
Alireza Amirkabiri Department of Public Administration, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5155-2786
Hassan Givorian Department of Public Administration, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1892-0524

Keywords:

digital transformation leadership, digital transformation, leadership competencies, digital governance

Abstract

Digital transformation in the electric power distribution industry requires effective leadership to guide technological, organizational, and strategic changes. Despite the growing body of related research, no comprehensive framework has yet been developed to explain the dimensions of digital transformation leadership in electric power distribution companies. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify and explain the dimensions and components of digital transformation leadership in this industry. In terms of purpose, this study was applied, and in terms of approach, it was qualitative and conducted using thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers, electric power industry experts, information technology specialists, and faculty members familiar with digital transformation. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted based on the six-phase thematic analysis process. The findings led to the identification of 161 basic themes, 57 organizing themes, and 5 global themes. The global themes included the competencies and individual characteristics of the digital transformation leader, leadership and managerial skills, provision of technological infrastructure and resources, organizational and strategic alignment, and the development and outcomes of digital transformation. The findings indicated that successful digital transformation in electric power distribution companies results from the simultaneous interaction of leaders’ individual capabilities, managerial skills, technological infrastructure, strategic alignment, and the establishment of a transformation-oriented organizational culture. Digital transformation leadership is a multidimensional and systemic phenomenon that, through the integration of human, managerial, technological, and strategic dimensions, creates the conditions for improving productivity, innovation, grid resilience, value creation, sustainability, and service quality. The proposed framework can serve as a basis for designing leadership development models and digital transformation policies in the electric power industry and other infrastructure-based organizations.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] S. Hensellek, "Digital Leadership: A Framework for Successful Leadership in the Digital Age," Journal of Media Management and Entrepreneurship (JMME), vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 55-69, 2020, doi: 10.4018/JMME.2020010104.

[2] J. A. Porfírio, T. Carrilho, J. A. Felício, and J. Jardim, "Leadership Characteristics and Digital Transformation," Journal of Business Research, vol. 124, pp. 610-619, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.10.058.

[3] P. McCarthy, D. Sammon, and I. Alhassan, "Digital Transformation Leadership Characteristics: A Literature Analysis," Journal of Decision Systems, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 79-109, 2022, doi: 10.1080/12460125.2021.1908934.

[4] G. Elia, G. Solazzo, A. Lerro, F. Pigni, and C. L. Tucci, "The Digital Transformation Canvas: A Conceptual Framework for Leading the Digital Transformation Process," Business Horizons, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.bushor.2024.03.007.

[5] B. K. AlNuaimi, S. K. Singh, and S. Ren, "Mastering Digital Transformation: The Nexus Between Leadership, Agility, and Digital Strategy," Journal of Business Research, vol. 145, pp. 636-648, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.03.038.

[6] B. Ly, "The Interplay of Digital Transformational Leadership, Organizational Agility, and Digital Transformation," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 4408-4427, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s13132-023-01377-8.

[7] N. A. Albannai, M. M. Raziq, M. Malik, J. Scott-Kennel, and J. Igoe, "Unraveling the Role of Digital Leadership in Developing Digital Dynamic Capabilities for the Digital Transformation of Firms," Benchmarking: An International Journal, 2024, doi: 10.1108/BIJ-10-2023-0756.

[8] K. Chirumalla, P. Oghazi, R. E. Nnewuku, H. Tuncay, and N. Yahyapour, "Critical Factors Affecting Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Companies," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 1-52, 2025, doi: 10.1007/s11365-024-01056-3.

[9] M. A. Aini, "Identifying and Prioritizing the Most Important Competency Constructs of Digital Transformation Leadership in Organizations," Marine Management Science Studies, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 67-82, 2022.

[10] F. B. Tigre, P. L. Henriques, and C. Curado, "The Digital Leadership Emerging Construct: A Multi-Method Approach," Management Review Quarterly, pp. 1-48, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s11301-023-00395-9.

[11] S. D. Müller, H. Konzag, J. A. Nielsen, and H. B. Sandholt, "Digital Transformation Leadership Competencies: A Contingency Approach," International Journal of Information Management, vol. 75, p. 102734, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102734.

[12] M. Sposato, "Digital Leadership in Organizations for Digital Transformation," in Multidisciplinary Organizational Training of Human Capital in the Digital Age: IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025, pp. 77-96.

[13] P. McCarthy, D. Sammon, and I. Alhassan, "The Characteristics of Digital Transformation Leadership: Theorizing the Practitioner Voice," Business Horizons, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.bushor.2024.03.005.

[14] Q. Yao, H. Tang, Y. Liu, and F. Boadu, "The Penetration Effect of Digital Leadership on Digital Transformation: The Role of Digital Strategy Consensus and Diversity Types," Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 903-927, 2024, doi: 10.1108/JEIM-09-2022-0350.

[15] M. Shami Zanjani, F. Nabiei, and N. Garousi Mokhtarzadeh, "Explaining and Developing the Content Dimensions of Digital Transformation Strategy," Quarterly Journal of Strategic Management Studies, vol. 15, no. 60, pp. 23-47, 2024.

[16] L. Carlsson, "Social Aspects of Strategizing Industrial Digitalization," University West, 2023.

[17] A. K. Olsson, K. M. Eriksson, and L. Carlsson, "Management Toward Industry 5.0: A Co-Workership Approach on Digital Transformation for Future Innovative Manufacturing," European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 65-84, 2025, doi: 10.1108/EJIM-09-2023-0833.

[18] S. V. C. Ruiz and S. D. P. Muñoz, "Challenges and Opportunities for Digital Leadership in the Transformation of Educational Organisations: Developing Digital, Soft, Intercultural, and Inclusive Skills," in Multidisciplinary Organizational Training of Human Capital in the Digital Age: IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025, pp. 25-58.

[19] M. J. B. Rivera, "Challenges of Leadership in Educational Organizations for Digital Transformation: Influence of the Transformational Era on Education," in Multidisciplinary Organizational Training of Human Capital in the Digital Age: IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025, pp. 1-24.

[20] F. Bravo-Duarte, N. Tordera, and I. Rodríguez, "Overcoming Virtual Distance: A Systematic Review of Leadership Competencies for Managing Performance in Telework," Frontiers in Organizational Psychology, vol. 2, p. 1499248, 2025, doi: 10.3389/forgp.2024.1499248.

[21] D. Sharifian, F. Babalhavaeji, and Z. Abazari, "Presenting a Digital Identity Model in Smart Government in Iranian Government Agencies with the Mediating Role of Digital Transformation Leadership," Knowledge Studies, vol. 14, no. 52, pp. 31-51, 2021.

[22] A. P. Seepma, C. de Blok, and D. P. Van Donk, "Designing Digital Public Service Supply Chains: Four Country-Based Cases in Criminal Justice," Supply Chain Management, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 418-446, 2020, doi: 10.1108/SCM-06-2019-0248.

[23] C. Liu, Z. Sheng, X. Hu, and C. Tian, "Hand in Hand or Left Behind: The Dual Impact of Leading Firms' Digital Technologies on Industry Digital Transformation," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, vol. 75, p. 102305, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.najef.2024.102305.

[24] M. Nouri, M. A. Shah Hosseini, M. Shami Zanjani, and B. Abedin, "Designing a Conceptual Framework for Digital Transformation Leadership in Iranian Organizations," Management and Planning in Educational Systems, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 211-242, 2021, doi: 10.29252/mpes.12.2.211.

[25] S. Moradi and S. Kashmiri, "Readiness for Digital Transformation Leadership in Schools," School Management, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 389-415, 2021.

[26] P. Jalali, M. Salimi, M. Ninavaei, and P. Irannejad, "Identifying Digital Transformation Leadership Factors in Medical University Education and Presenting a Model Using Thematic Analysis," Quarterly Journal of Excellence in Education and Training, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 118-141, 2023.

[27] P. Jalali, M. Salimi, M. Ninavaei, and P. Irannejad, "Validation of a Digital Transformation Leadership Model in Education at Alborz University of Medical Sciences," Human Resources Excellence, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 78-102, 2024.

[28] A. Mohammad Azir, M. Doustar, M. Akbari, and K. Yakideh, "A Conceptual Framework for Digital Transformation Based on E-Leadership in the Higher Education System: A Study of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq," Human Resources Studies, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 88-117, 2024.

[29] M. Mehrkam and Z. Nasimi, "The Effect of Managers' Leadership Style on Digital Transformation in the National Tax Administration," Smart Business Management Studies, vol. 13, no. 50, pp. 263-297, 2024.

[30] P. Ghasemi Ghoncheh Nazi and A. Atashsouz, "The Role of Digital Leadership in Creating Digital Transformation in Organizations: A Case Study of the Infrastructure Communications Company," Smart Business Management Studies, vol. 13, no. 50, pp. 227-262, 2024.

[31] Y. Modarresi, M. A. Seyednagavi, H. Roudsaz, and I. Raeisi Vanani, "Designing a Conceptual Framework for the Soft Components of Digital Transformation Using Thematic Analysis," Human Resources Studies, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 57-88, 2023.

[32] O. Onesi-Ozigagun, Y. J. Ololade, N. L. Eyo-Udo, and D. O. Ogundipe, "Leading Digital Transformation in Non-Digital Sectors: A Strategic Review," International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 1157-1175, 2024, doi: 10.51594/ijmer.v6i4.1005.

[33] C. L. Tolbert, "The Leadership Identity Presented on LinkedIn," The Journal of Values-Based Leadership, vol. 18, no. 1, p. 11, 2025, doi: 10.22543/1948-0733.1539.