Digital transformation leadership competencies: A contingency approach

Practitioners and researchers are increasingly engaged and interested in digital transformation leadership. However, the existing literature is fragmented and we lack knowledge of the competencies required by business leaders to facilitate digital transformation. In response, we rely on a literature study and draw inspiration from the Competing Values Framework to identify digital transformation leadership competencies. We theorize four archetypical competency portfolios, which are labeled according to the types of leaders who personify the constituent competencies: the challenger, the bricoleur, the organizer, and the competitor. We draw inspiration from the Competing Values Framework in advancing a contingency perspective on archetypical these portfolios. By theorizing competency portfolios, we contribute new insights into the role of leadership in digital transformation, which requires different competencies depending on the transformation drivers and goals. Our proposed competency portfolio framework serves as a valuable tool for identifying the required competencies and making decisions on whether to upskill existing leaders or hire new ones to drive transformation efforts. •Proposes a contingency perspective on leadership competencies.•Identifies digital transformation leadership competencies.•Theorizes four archetypical competency portfolios.•Argues for diverse portfolios of technical, business & people-oriented competencies•Links competency portfolios to digital transformation drivers and goals.