Beyond the Rhetoric: Myths and Realities of Digital Leadership and Transformation
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Abstract
This paper argues that digital transformation and digital leadership are myths. Digital leadership is an illusion and does not exist. There is only good leadership and bad leadership... or no leadership. It is a fallacy to think adding more technology will alter leadership quality and lead to organizational transformation. Digital transformation is not about technology, it is about visionary leaders who can lead systemic change and bring a new continuum of benefits to all stakeholders. These leaders embed shifts in the values, culture and purpose of the organization. Digital tools are but one resource that assists leaders in this quest. Today, the quality continuum for open and distance learning is stronger than n ever in the profession. Indeed, there will be future shifts in pedagogies but powerful pedagogies already exist for the most part. We simply need to unbundle them and integrate them across disciplines with digital tools. Visionary leadership that brings empathy and trust to empower and engage students, faculty, and the community is the most powerful tool available to us in the future. People, not technology, are our organizations’ most valuable resources
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