Identification of Digital Leadership Factors in E-Businesses

Seyed Amir Mohsen  Mirhosseini; Mohammadreza Sanaei; Alireza  Tamjid Yamcholo

Authors

Seyed Amir Mohsen Mirhosseini Department of IT Management, QA.C., Islamic Azad university , Qazvin, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9613-9768
Mohammadreza Sanaei Department of IT Management, QA.C., Islamic Azad university , Qazvin, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1653-0718
Alireza Tamjid Yamcholo Department of IT Management, Pa.C., Islamic Azad university, Parand, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1857-9327

Keywords:

Digital Leadership, E, Business, Digital Transformation, Organizational Agility, Digital Strategy, Innovation, Digital Governance

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and conceptualize the key factors of digital leadership in e-businesses in Tehran. This qualitative exploratory study was conducted among 20 managers, senior executives, entrepreneurs, digital transformation specialists, information technology managers, and experts with relevant professional experience in e-businesses in Tehran. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion criteria, and sampling continued until theoretical and informational saturation was achieved. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 45 to 75 minutes. All interviews were recorded with participants' consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Meaning units were identified and coded, similar codes were compared and grouped into subthemes, and related subthemes were integrated into broader themes. Credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability were considered to enhance methodological rigor. The thematic analysis identified five major dimensions of digital leadership in e-businesses: strategic digital orientation, technological capability and digital intelligence, adaptive and innovative leadership, human-centered digital culture, and data-driven and ecosystem-oriented governance. Strategic digital orientation included digital vision, alignment of digital and business strategies, strategic agility, and opportunity recognition. Technological capability encompassed digital literacy, technology adoption, emerging technology awareness, and cybersecurity. Adaptive and innovative leadership reflected change management, flexibility, experimentation, entrepreneurial orientation, and rapid decision-making. Human-centered digital culture included employee empowerment, digital competency development, collaborative communication, organizational learning, and trust. Data-driven and ecosystem-oriented governance comprised evidence-based decision-making, customer orientation, digital ecosystem management, ethical data use, digital accountability, and risk management. The findings demonstrated that these dimensions were interdependent and jointly shaped effective digital leadership. Digital leadership in e-businesses is a multidimensional capability that integrates strategic, technological, adaptive, human, analytical, and governance competencies, enabling organizations to manage digital transformation, strengthen innovation, improve responsiveness, and sustain competitive performance in dynamic digital environments.

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