Digital Leadership: Is it a Distinct Leadership Paradigm or an Extension of Contemporary Leadership Theory? A PRISMA-Informed Systematic Review

Abstract

The rapid acceleration of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data-driven organisational decision-making processes has generated increasing scholarly interest in digital leadership; however, considerable debate persists regarding whether digital leadership constitutes an independent leadership paradigm or merely extends contemporary leadership theories. The current study critically examined this debate through a PRISMA-informed systematic literature review synthesising evidence from leadership studies, organisational behaviour, strategic management, information systems, innovation management, and digital transformation scholarship. Relevant peer-reviewed publications were systematically identified, screened, and analysed using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by thematic synthesis and comparative theoretical analysis. The findings demonstrate that although digital leadership shares important characteristics with transformational, strategic, adaptive, authentic, servant, distributed, complexity, and e-leadership, it possesses distinctive philosophical foundations centred on digital transformation, organisational agility, artificial intelligence stewardship, digital ethics, cybersecurity governance, data-informed decision-making, and sustainable innovation. Furthermore, empirical evidence across business, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and public administration consistently indicates that leadership capability, rather than technological investment alone, determines the success of digital transformation initiatives. Building upon these findings, this study proposes the Integrated Digital Leadership Framework (IDLF), which conceptualises digital leadership as a systems-oriented organisational capability comprising digital vision, technological capability, organisational agility, innovation, ethical governance, human-centred leadership, strategic integration, and organisational resilience. The current study concludes that digital leadership has evolved beyond the contextual application of existing leadership theories and should be recognised as an independent leadership paradigm reflecting the organisational realities of the twenty-first century. The findings contribute to leadership scholarship by advancing theoretical integration, providing a comprehensive framework for future empirical investigation, and offering practical guidance for organisational leaders responsible for navigating increasingly complex digital environments, balancing technological innovation with ethical governance, organisational resilience, and sustainable development.