Leading Digitalization from the Follower's Perspective

Erwin Donavan S. Ong will defend his PhD in Leadership Studies dissertation entitled "Leading Digitalization from the Follower's Perspective".

October 3, 2024 (Thursday) at 1:00pm to 3:00pm

His adviser is Mendiola Teng-Calleja, PhD.

His panelists are:

Edna P. Franco, PhD

Vanessa Villaluz, PhD (method reader)

John Lagdameo, PhD (content reader)

Alfred Presbitero, PhD (external panelist)

Abstract:

Digitalization has emerged as a transformative force reshaping industries and workplaces worldwide. Thus, it creates a need for organizations to have a good leader that can help them adapt rapidly to stay efficient and competitive. Using the lens of implicit leadership theory (ILT), this paper aimed to uncover the effective leadership traits and behaviors, along with its outcomes, during a digitalization from the follower’s perspective. A qualitative study with eleven focus group discussions across large scale companies in the Philippines was conducted. Using content analysis, the study revealed that being a hands-on (non-Laissez-Faire) leader that fosters collaboration and communication, motivates and empowers, supports and mentors, is considerate and trusting, and firm accompanied by an effective change management skills and technological familiarity, are what really matters to succeed in leading digitalization. The digitalization that the participants went through consequently produced results, improved the team’s dynamics, enhanced accountability and ownership, guaranteed personal and professional growth, and improved the overall morale and job satisfaction of the followers. Findings of the study may provide guideposts for organizations as they prepare and develop leaders for digitalization initiatives.

Keywords: Digitalization, Leading Digitalization, Implicit Leadership Theory, Follower’s Perspective