Digital leadership in quantity surveying: unveiling key characteristics and their role in driving digital transformation

Abstract

This study delves into the critical role of digital leadership in driving digital transformation within the quantity surveying profession, which is increasingly influenced by technological advancements and the 4th Industrial Revolution imperatives. The aim is to identify essential digital leadership characteristics that facilitate this transformation and assess digital leadership’s role in the process. The research is grounded in qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with directors of South African quantity surveying firms, using an interpretivist approach and an inductive methodology. This method, chosen for its depth and nuance, used thematic narrative analysis to uncover the core characteristics of digital leadership in these companies. The study’s findings are eye-opening, revealing four critical digital leadership characteristics required for navigating the digital age’s complexities: adaptability, motivational visionary, innovation, and urgency. These characteristics are consistent with the broader principles of transformational leadership and are essential for remaining relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Leaders in quantity surveying firms have a positive attitude toward digital technologies, emphasising an urgent, innovative, and adaptable leadership style. However, the study acknowledges some limitations, most notably its focus on South African firms, which may limit the generalisability of its findings. Future studies with a broader geographic and sectoral scope are needed to validate and improve on these findings. Practically, the study provides valuable insights for quantity surveying firms. It emphasises the importance of developing digital leadership capabilities centred on the identified traits. Adaptability, visionary motivation, innovation, and urgency form a framework that guides leaders in managing digital transformation initiatives effectively. The study suggests fostering a learning culture, encouraging innovation, and instilling a sense of urgency in embracing digital changes. This paper adds new perspectives to the relatively unexplored field of digital leadership in the quantity surveying profession. It fills a significant gap in academic literature and professional practice by highlighting specific leadership traits required for digital transformation in this field. The findings and recommendations presented are useful to practitioners and academics, providing a more nuanced understanding of digital leadership dynamics in today’s business environment. In essence, this study emphasises the critical importance of digital leadership in the quantity surveying profession, offering a nuanced perspective on the leadership characteristics required to guide these firms through the digital transformation journey. It highlights adaptability, a visionary approach, innovation, and a sense of urgency as key traits for effective digital leadership. It provides a road map for quantity surveying firms to navigate the digital era successfully.