Transformational leadership and AI adaptability: A qualitative study investigating how transformational leadership style influences employee adaptability and innovation in the context of AI-driven organizational change.

Sammanfattning

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, organizations globally are starting to pursue AI-transformation. Just like with other changes, AI-transformation comes along with some challenges, specifically given its impact on work tasks and employees in general. The aim of this study is to explore how transformational leadership influences employee adaptability and innovation in the context of AI-driven organizational change. We have conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with corporate decision makers, advisors and executives who have been responsible for AI-transformations. Through the theoretical lenses of the transformational leadership compass, the empiric was analyzed. The empiric suggested that transformational leadership is widely adopted by organizational leaders and that effective communication emerges as a central catalyst for adaptability in the face of AI-driven change. Effective communication cultivates a culture centered on continuous learning and innovation. Personalized support and development has also been shown to foster adaptability and innovation. The implications suggest that future research should conduct quantitative studies to measure the specific impacts of various transformational behaviors and incorporate the views of employees.