Knowledge management strategies for leadership in the digital business environment

Abstract

Abstract Throughout this paper we try to propose several updated theories about leadership strategies considering the new framework and coordinates imposed by the digital age. By operating a literature review, firstly we will define the intriguing concepts of: digital age, digital leader and digital leadership. Nowadays leaders must understand the global technological revolution and integrate with it in their daily business routine. Within the sections of the paper we will analyze the different features of the digital knowledge age, considering issues like the work environment, the new type of employees or the new skills. We believe that by mapping all these novel aspects we will emphasize which are the gaps between the current state and the potential one. Acknowledging the opportunities of the digital age is empowering both for managers and employees in terms of achieving their success. We will provide an analysis of the most important traits of a digital leader and their necessity in the present environment. Even if great theorists consider that a leader’s essential characteristics are timeless we will argue which are the substantial changes generated by digitalization. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential knowledge strategies to be applied for effective leadership in the digital business environment. Throughout this paper we want to bring to attention which are the major impactful connections between the trends of digitalization and leadership concepts. In the final section of the paper we will present our conclusions and propose for discussion further challenges of the digital age, mainly from managerial perspective.