The Role of Adaptive and Transformational Leadership in the Successful Adoption and Implementation of New Technologies and Innovations in Organizations

Abstract

With the increasing expansion and influence of technological innovations and breakthroughs, and as the world embarks into more digitization, automation, and man-machine integration, it becomes more vital than ever for businesses to identify and address any negative implications and drawbacks this advancement might have on the human factor in terms of people’s acceptance and implementation of such innovations. One key theory that addresses this matter is the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT) which identifies and correlates variables that govern people’s willingness and readiness to foster new technology. Furthermore, a major influencing factor of people’s drives and attitudes in organizations is the leadership style and approach. Along those lines, the purpose of this research paper is to propose a conceptual framework to explore and study the role of Transformational and Adaptive leadership styles on the adoption of new technologies and innovations in organizations within the scope and frame of the UTAUT. The study follows a systematic literature synthesis methodology to gather and analyze information from multiple sources and provide a comprehensive overview of existing research on the topic, based on which an explanatory and guiding framework is proposed for enhancing people’s successful adoption of new technologies.

Limitations to be highlighted are that the study bases its findings and analysis on previous research, and does not conduct primary research and data collection, no empirical findings are thus generated and presented to support or disprove the raised propositions. The study also addresses the topic conceptually and in general terms with no specific context, site, or sampling demographics, which are all influential factors that can alter findings. The paper however highlights the importance of sound and proactive leadership in enhancing organizational learning initiatives, innovation, and openness to technological and digital advancements, to maintain organizational sustainability and competitiveness, and thus sheds light on a critical management aspect in the digital and high-tech age which might have very harmful consequences if missed. It presents proposals on the influence of transformational and adaptive leaderships on adopting innovation and new technology, and calls for more study and primary research on the topic for further exploration and understanding.