Design and Validation of a Competency Development Model for Digital Transformation Leadership in the Banking System

Authors

    Ahmad Ahmadi Khesal Department of Public Administration, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
    Ahmad Vedadi * Department of Public Administration, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. ahvedadi@gmail.com
    Dariush Gholamzadeh Department of Public Administration, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Keywords:

Competency, Competency Development, Digital Transformation, Digital Transformation Leadership Competencies

Abstract

The present study aimed to design and validate a competency development model for digital transformation leadership in the country's banking system. This research follows an exploratory mixed-methods approach. The qualitative phase employed thematic analysis, while the quantitative phase utilized a survey research method. The statistical population in the qualitative section consisted of 15 banking system experts, selected through purposive sampling based on the principle of theoretical saturation. In the quantitative section, the statistical population included bank managers and supervisors across the country, from whom a sample of 335 individuals was selected using stratified random sampling. In the qualitative phase, data collection was conducted through field research using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Similarly, in the quantitative phase, data collection was also based on field research, utilizing a researcher-developed questionnaire. Data analysis in the qualitative phase was performed using coding techniques, while in the quantitative phase, descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed. The results indicated that digital leadership competencies include individual characteristics, digital intelligence, and digital capability/capacity. Additionally, competency development methods comprise self-learning, virtual training, experience transfer, coaching and consulting, role-playing, behavior analysis, job rotation, on-the-job training, workshops, mentoring, and career path planning. The findings also revealed that bank managers possess the necessary competencies and are in a favorable state.

References

Y. Yumhi, A. J. Sutisna, and M. Muhtar, "Implementation of Talent Management to Increase Company Competitiveness in the Digital Era," International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Business (INJOSS), vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 61-72, 2025.

M. Nouri, M. A. Shahhoseini, M. Shami Zanjani, and B. Abedin, "Designing a Conceptual Framework for Digital Transformation Leadership in Iranian Organizations," Management and Planning in Educational Systems, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 211-242, 2019, doi: 10.29252/mpes.12.2.211.

A. Meier, R. Eller, and M. Peters, "Creating competitiveness in incumbent small-and medium-sized enterprises: A revised perspective on digital transformation," Journal of Business Research, vol. 186, p. 115028, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.115028.

T. Auvinen, P. Sajasalo, T. Sintonen, K. Pekkala, T. Takala, and V. Luoma-aho, "Evolution of strategy narration and leadership work in the digital era," Leadership, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 205-225, 2019, doi: 10.1177/1742715019826426.

V. Scuotto, M. Nicotra, M. Del Giudice, N. Krueger, and G. L. Gregori, "A microfoundational perspective on SMEs' growth in the digital transformation era," Journal of Business Research, vol. 129, pp. 382-392, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.01.045.

N. M. Lampe, H. Barbee, N. M. Tran, S. Bastow, and T. McKay, "Health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer older adults: A structural competency approach," The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, vol. 98, no. 1, pp. 39-55, 2024, doi: 10.1177/00914150231171838.

J. C. Alvarenga, R. R. Branco, A. L. A. Guedes, C. A. P. Soares, and W. D. S. Silva, "The project manager core competencies to project success," Int. J. Manag. Proj. Bus., vol. 13, pp. 277-292, 2019, doi: 10.1108/IJMPB-12-2018-0274.

N. Raadi Afsoran, G. C. Thornton, and H. Arizi Samani, "Training and Improving Leadership Competencies: Determining the Effectiveness of Transformational, Team Building and Strategic Thinking Competencies Using Bootstrap Method," Career and Organizational Counseling, vol. 12, no. 44, pp. 187-208, 2020.

R. Müller and R. Turner, "Leadership competency profiles of successful project managers," International Journal of Project Management, vol. 28, no. 5, pp. 437-448, 2010, doi: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2009.09.003.

M. Fitzgerald, N. Kruschwitz, D. Bonnet, and M. Welch, "Embracing digital technology: A new strategic imperativeJO - MIT sloan management review," vol. 55, no. 2, p. 1, 2014.

T. Shirvani, M. Esmaeili, M. Ehsani, and H. Kouzechian, "Designing and Developing Intelligence Competency Model for Sports Marketing Managers in Iran's Premier Football League," Sport Management Studies, no. 45, pp. 133-154, 2016.

H. Ahmadi, N. Parsaei, S. H. Hashemi, and H. Nematollahi, "Presenting a General Model for Successful Implementation of Digital Transformation in Organizations," Public Administration, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 282-315, 2024.

M. Ghanbarzadeh and R. Fathi, "Identifying Required Actions and Requirements for Digital Transformation in Life Insurance," Investment Knowledge, vol. 14, no. 56, pp. 95EP - 120, 2025.

A. Karimipour, M. Kohandel, H. Abdolmaleki, and S. N. Khalifeh, "Construction and Validation of Digital Transformation Assessment Questionnaire for Sports Businesses," Communication Management in Sports Media, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 1-18, 2024.

S. Salehipour Bavarsad and S. Kazempourian, "A New Roadmap for Achieving Digital Transformation," Science and Technology Policy Letter, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 5-17, 2021.

Downloads

Published

2025-03-30

Submitted

2024-11-02

Revised

2025-01-05

Accepted

2025-02-06

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Design and Validation of a Competency Development Model for Digital Transformation Leadership in the Banking System. (2025). Management Strategies and Engineering Sciences, 7(2), 90-99. https://msesj.com/index.php/mses/article/view/204

Similar Articles

21-30 of 92

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.