Leadership Agility in the Digital Age: A Review of Practices, Challenges, and Theoretical Perspectives

Abstract

In an era defined by rapid technological change, organisations must be digitally capable and exhibit leadership agility. Leadership agility—the capacity to sense change, respond to uncertainty, pivot strategies, and enable learning—is increasingly critical in the digital age. This review synthesises scholarly work on leadership agility in the context of digital transformation, examining (1) conceptual foundations, (2) key practices and competencies, (3) challenges and obstacles, (4) theoretical perspectives and frameworks, and (5) future research directions. Leadership agility is multidimensional, encompassing cognitive, behavioural, relational, and digital literacies, supported by organisational culture, structure, and governance mechanisms. Barriers include legacy mindsets, skill deficits, inertia, and ethical risks. An integrative framework linking leadership agility, digital maturity, and organisational outcomes is proposed.