DigiLead – Leadership in the Digital Working World

The aim of the research project is to generate scientific insights and practical tips on the topic of leadership in digital working environments. The research project will investigate how managers understand, adapt and shape their role in hybrid working models and also which issues and objective are particularly important to them. In addition, it will address the issue as to which skills managers need to successfully lead digital teams and which working conditions are necessary to ensure a healthy leadership organization that promotes development.

A multi-method approach using qualitative and quantitative elements is being used to examine these issues in three phases. Phase 1 consists of a qualitative pre-study that uses interviews conducted by experts to identify whichc working conditions are required for digital leadership and which are counter-productive. Also, how do managers perceive their role in a digital working environment.

In Phase 2, these results (supported by an online questionnaire) will be used as the basis of a quantification that will test the generalizability. The focus will be on determining which core competencies a manager needs in order to successfully lead digital teams.

Phase 3 will see the development of a continuing education program on the topic of “Leadership in digital working environments” based on the qualitative and quantitative studies and in the interests of knowledge transfer. It addresses the challenges of digital and hybrid working in a targeted and sustainable manner and can be tested and evaluated in cooperation with practice partners. The findings will be made available to a broad public both in scientific publications in open access journals and on practice-oriented platforms.