Who is an Agile leader? Technological vs. Non-technological Mindset Employees' Views

Authors

  • Wioleta Kucharska Gdansk University of Technology, Fahrenheit Universities Union https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5809-2038
  • Maciej Kucharski Gdansk University of Technology, Fahrenheit Universities Union, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunication and Informatics https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6250-1415
  • Tomasz Balcerowski Gdansk University of Technology, Fahrenheit Universities Union; Ekoinbud Sp. z o.o. Gdansk, Poland
  • Jari Jussila Häme University of Applied Sciences, HAMK Design Factory, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7337-1211

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecmlg.20.1.2960

Keywords:

Transformational Leader,, Agile Leader,, Technological Mindset,, Non-technological Mindset,, Knowledge Workers,, Qualitative Study,, Interpretive Approach,, MAXQDA

Abstract

For an agile organization to be truly agile, it must be led by agile leaders to sustain its competitiveness and continuously identify opportunities for future growth and development. Technological and non-technological mindsets can see agile leadership differently. Therefore, this study aims to explore if there is any difference in the vision of who the agile leader is in the views of knowledge workers employed in the IT and other sectors. Using a qualitative definitional/interpretive approach supported by MAXQDA software, this study revealed that from the perspective of the technological mindset, key specific to this group characteristics are diligent risk management, technology usage focus, deep understanding of needs, efficiency, and efficacy, critical thinking skills, multitasking, information and knowledge sharing, responsibility, feeling, and constant focus on improvement. Whereas from the perspective of non-technological mindsets, key specific characteristics these mindsets notice are support for employee growth, dynamism and relevance of actions taken, perfect operation on managerial paradoxes, creativity, inclusion, empathy, and self-confidence. The common characteristics that are easy to notice in both mindset types are open-minded personality, the sequential habit of revisions, reflection, and re-framing, learning from experience, wise dynamic (smooth and accurate actions), perfect change implementation skills, adaptability skills, and a positive attitude towards challenges.

Author Biography

Wioleta Kucharska, Gdansk University of Technology, Fahrenheit Universities Union

Wioleta Kucharska holds a position as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Management and Economics of the Gdansk TECH, Gdansk University of Technology, Fahrenheit Universities Union, Poland. Authored 66 peer-reviewed studies published with Wiley, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Emerald, Elsevier, IGI Global, and Routledge. Recently involved in such topics as tacit knowledge and company culture of knowledge, learning, and collaboration. Along with scientific passion and achievements, she has 12 years of managerial experience; therefore, her works next to theoretical foundations actively refer to management practice.

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Published

2024-11-13