Redefining Leadership Capabilities in AI-Augmented Work Environments

Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI-Augmented Work Environments, Hybrid Leadership Competencies, Digital Leadership, Human-AI Collaboration, Organizational Agility, Human-Centred Leadership.

The increasing trend of the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the face of organizational leadership. This is requiring leaders to go beyond the traditional management concepts to be able to effectively function in a technology-driven environment. This study aims to explore the changing face of leadership concepts as a result of the increasing trend of AI. Additionally, the study aims to highlight the expectations of the current and emerging leaders. Based on the existing literature, industry practices, leadership concepts, and leadership theories, the study identified the following five leadership competencies as essential to leadership functions in an AI-driven environment. These are digital literacy, AI-driven decision-making, ethical leadership in AI, organizational agility, and human-AI collaboration. The study further aims to explore the impact of AI tools on the face of leadership development processes. Finally, the study identifies some of the challenges associated with the integration of AI tools into the organization. Some of the challenges identified are issues such as bias in AI tools, trust, workforce preparedness, and the generational gap. The study identifies the importance of ethical leadership, flexibility, and balanced decision-making between humans and AI tools to the success of an organization.