The data-driven leader: developing a big data analytics leadership competency framework

Abstract

PurposeThis study focuses on leadership in organizations where big data analytics (BDA) is an essential component of corporate strategy. While leadership researchers have conducted promising studies in the field of digital transformation, the impact of BDA on leadership is still unexplored.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on semi-structured interviews with 33 organizational leaders and subject-matter experts from various industries. Using a grounded theory approach, a framework is provided for the emergent field of BDA in leadership research.FindingsThe authors present a conceptual model comprising foundational competencies and higher order roles that are data analytical skills, data self-efficacy, problem spotter, influencer, knowledge facilitator, visionary and team leader.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on BDA competency research emerging as an intersection between leadership research and information systems research. The authors encourage a longitudinal study to validate the findings.Practical implicationsThe authors provide a competency framework for organizational leaders. It serves as a guideline for leaders to best support the BDA initiatives of the organization. The competency framework can support recruiting, selection and leader promotion.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel BDA leadership competency framework with a unique combination of competencies and higher order roles.

The Integration of Sustainable Technology and Big Data Analytics in Saudi Arabian SMEs: A Path to Improved Business Performance

“…Thus, the purpose of this research study is to comprehensively understand the factors that foster SMEs' adoption of BDA. By combining the insights from both technology acceptance and innovation diffusion theories, the conceptual framework has been carefully crafted [34,80]. This approach ensures that the resulting framework is comprehensive and effective in addressing the challenges at hand.…”

“…Leadership competency (LC) is defined as a manager's understanding of information technology and systems, which enables them to understand and sense the changing information technology and system-related landscape, and resulting opportunities and challenges [79]. Information technology and systems self-efficacy allows managers to comprehend the opportunities BDA provides to SMEs and utilize their technology infrastructure to implement and adopt technology into the organizations [80]. Those leaders of SME organizations who possess high competency in information system technology are better positioned to leverage the BDA more effectively than those with less big datarelated competency.…”

Analyzing Big Data Professionals: Cultivating Holistic Skills Through University Education and Market Demands

“…Some researchers use traditional questionnaires and interviews to understand the needs of recruiters and analyze their knowledge and abilities job seekers should possess [2], [21], [22]. The training of Big Data professionals is more industry-oriented; thus, job advertisements for Big Data professionals provide an appropriate channel to analyze the industry's requirements and expectations of Big Data professionals.…”

The Relevance and Challenges of Big Data for Leadership

“…Research by Shabbir and Gardezi (2020) brings out the significance of big data for strategic decision making and to achieve competitive advantage. Although big data analytics is an emerging area and continues to be explored, big data has considerable impact on leadership creating a need for leaders to acquire skills to manage and lead organisations efficiently (Schmidt, Dierendonck and Weber, 2023). According to research, big data analytics is a strategic tool that enables innovation, necessitating dynamic capabilities to leverage big data for growth (Capurro et al, 2021).…”