Identifying the Components of a Leadership Behavior Model with an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Approach in Governmental Organizations

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the components of a leadership behavior model with an information and communication technology (ICT) approach in governmental organizations. This study was conducted using a qualitative exploratory approach with an inductive strategy. The statistical population in the qualitative phase consisted of academic experts and experienced executive specialists in governmental organizations, particularly within the Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties. Seventeen experts were selected through purposive sampling based on their scientific and practical expertise in management, information technology, public administration, and organizational leadership. Data were collected through deep semi-structured interviews conducted over a two-month period, with each interview lasting between 60 and 80 minutes. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis based on the six-step framework of Braun and Clarke, including familiarization with the data, generation of initial codes, identification of themes, review of themes, definition of themes, and final reporting. To enhance trustworthiness, continuous comparison, analytical memo writing, and repeated review of codes and themes were employed throughout the analysis process. The findings revealed a comprehensive and multidimensional framework for ICT-oriented leadership behavior in governmental organizations. A total of 20 main themes and numerous sub-themes were extracted from the interview data. The identified dimensions included transformation of leadership style in the digital environment, ICT-based employee empowerment, integration and development of communication infrastructures, enhancement of digital leadership competencies, transformation of administrative processes through technology, ICT-based managerial transparency and accountability, improvement of organizational communication and participatory leadership, digital change management, enhancement of cybersecurity and data protection, digital agility in managerial decision-making, development of smart citizen services, optimization of human resource management through intelligent systems, enhancement of organizational monitoring, institutionalization of a data-driven culture, digital knowledge management, ethical-oriented leadership, promotion of administrative justice through electronic leadership, digital risk management and technological resilience, organizational decision-making management, and data-driven leadership in digital privacy and security. The findings indicate that ICT-oriented leadership in governmental organizations is not limited to technological adoption, but rather represents a comprehensive transformation involving leadership behaviors, organizational culture, communication systems, employee empowerment, data-driven governance, digital ethics, and strategic adaptability.