Cover
Volume 7, Special Issue 3 (2026)

Published: July 31, 2026

Pages: 111-122

Research articles

The role of strategic leadership in digital transformation: An analytical study of the opinions of a sample of senior and middle management in a number of public companies affiliated with the Ministry of Trade in Iraq

Noor K. Hassan 1 Muthanna F. Muzahim 2
1College of dentistry, Ibn Sina university of medical and pharmaceutical sciences, Baghdad, Iraq
2Department of public administration, college of administration and economics, university of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
History
  • Received: May 21, 2026
  • Revised: June 28, 2026
  • Accepted: July 1, 2026
  • Available Online: July 25, 2026
DOI

https://doi.org/10.56967/ejfb2026869

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of strategic leadership in promoting digital transformation processes within Iraqi Ministry of Trade public companies. The research problem stemmed from the challenges these companies face in keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the need for forward-looking leadership to transcend rigid, traditional structures. The strategic leadership variable encompassed the dimensions of strategic vision, ethical practices, organizational culture, human capital, and core competencies, while digital transformation was measured across the dimensions of technologies, activities, boundaries, and objectives. The study employed a descriptive-analytical methodology and was conducted within Iraqi Ministry of Trade companies. A purposive sample of 352 administrative leaders (general manager, assistant general manager, department manager, and division head) was selected. To analyze the data, the statistical software SPSS v.26 and Amos v.25 were used, employing advanced statistical methods such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), path analysis, and validity and reliability tests. The study reached several conclusions, most notably the significant impact of strategic leadership on the dimensions of digital transformation. Core competencies and strategic vision emerged as the strongest drivers for developing activities and expanding the organization's digital boundaries. Based on these findings, the study recommended that leaders invest in enhancing human capital and localizing modern technologies as an indispensable strategic option to ensure competitive sustainability in the evolving digital environment.

Keywords

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