ORGANISATIONAL LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES FOR EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: INSIGHTS FROM SELECTED ORGANISATIONS IN NAIROBI

Abstract

This action research set out to explore how leadership strategies influence employee engagement in the context of digital transformation within selected organizations in Nairobi. Drawing from interviews, surveys, and observation, the findings affirm that strategic communication, targeted training, inclusive decision-making, and employee recognition and inclusivity in the decision making are critical levers for successful digital transformation. While leaders often perceived themselves as supportive, the lived experiences of employees revealed gaps between intention and impact of digital tools. Furthermore, the underutilization of IT experts in strategic planning also signals a missed opportunity for bridging technical and the general workforce as elements of comprehensive change. Considering these insights, it is recommended that organizations adopt a more participatory leadership approach, one that actively involves employees and technical experts in shaping the digital agenda. Regular feedback loops, combined with transparent communication and inclusivity of the workforce, should form the backbone of digital transformation efforts. Leaders must also recognize that trainings and workshops should not be a one-time achievement but a continuous process of alignment between the entire workforce and evolving systems. Also ensuring the organisation digital repository is stocked with digital content, including research papers, workshop materials, and other organizational documents that can be used by new employees and the general workforce for information reference. By embedding empathy, clarity, and collaboration into their leadership practices, organizational leaders can foster a resilient, adaptable workforce equipped for ongoing digital evolution. This study underscores that sustainable transformation is not just about deploying new technologies, it is also fundamentally about how employees are led through change.