Authors :
Hassan Rengou Mfouakie
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2czhdwna
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4pc6vswe
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug052
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Abstract :
There is high pressure on nonprofit organizations to adopt digital technologies which have intensified the need for
effective leadership models capable of guiding strategic transformation in resource-limited environments. This study
critically investigates the impact of transformational leadership on digital transformation processes in Nigerian non-
governmental organizations (NGOs). Leveraging on a qualitative case study approach, primary data was collected using
semi-structured interviews with two executive leaders from Almurad Charity Foundation and Lola Carter for the Needy
Foundation, operating across community development and sustainable development goals respectively. Thematic analysis
of the data collected revealed that transformational leadership traits such as intellectual stimulation, idealized influence,
individualized consideration and inspirational motivation commonly known as four I’s, were crucial in promoting
innovation, aligning organizational missions with digital tools and keeping going team engagement. However, evidence shows
the practice of blended leadership, through transactional elements to complement transformational behaviors. These
findings emphasize the adaptive nature of effective NGO leadership and point out the value of leadership flexibility in digital
contexts. The study contributes to leadership and development literature by offering context-specific perceptions into how
digital transformation unfolds under transformational leadership in West Africa, and Nigeria in particular. It also puts up
to practical suggestions for NGOs leaders and stakeholders aiming to ameliorate digital resilience and performance.
Keywords :
Digital Transformation, Transformational Leadership, Nonprofit Innovation, Leadership Adaptability, Case Study, Nigerian NGOs.
References :
- Abiola, R. P., Idowu, A., & Afolaranmi, A. (2024). Empowering Transformative Leadership and Institutional Development through Digital Innovations in Oyo State, Nigeria. Lead City Journal of the Social Sciences, 9(3).
- Adanri, A. A., & Singh, R. (2018). Transformational leadership: Towards effective governance in Nigeria. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 6(11), 1-12.
- Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Bass, B., & Riggio, R. (2006). Transformational Leadership (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
- Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597.
- Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. New York: New York, NY: Harper & Row.
- Creswell, J., & Poth, C. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Sage Publications.
- Dahiya, R., & Gayatri, P. (2023). The influence of leadership style on digital transformation outcomes in nonprofits. Journal of Organizational Change and Innovation, 45(3), 241– 265.
- Gachugu, E. (2024). The role of transformational leadership on digital innovation and performance in large organizations. Journal of Strategic Management, 7(5), 81-92. doi: https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2186
- Heeks, R., Ospina, A., & Arun, S. (2023). The principles of digital transformation for development (DX4D). University of Mnachester.
- Lincoln, Y., & Guba, E. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Sage Publications.
- Ngongpah, G. (2025). Bridging the digital divide: How the Nigerian government can facilitate technology adoption in education. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology.
- Qiao, G., Li, Y., & Hong, A. (2024). The strategic role of digital transformation: Leveraging digital leadership to enhance employee performance and organizational commitment in the digital era. Systems, 457.
- Sacavém, A., Cunha, M., Rego, A., & Clegg, S. (2023). Leading in the digital age: The role of leadership in organizational digital transformation. Administrative Sciences, 13(3). doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13030081
There is high pressure on nonprofit organizations to adopt digital technologies which have intensified the need for
effective leadership models capable of guiding strategic transformation in resource-limited environments. This study
critically investigates the impact of transformational leadership on digital transformation processes in Nigerian non-
governmental organizations (NGOs). Leveraging on a qualitative case study approach, primary data was collected using
semi-structured interviews with two executive leaders from Almurad Charity Foundation and Lola Carter for the Needy
Foundation, operating across community development and sustainable development goals respectively. Thematic analysis
of the data collected revealed that transformational leadership traits such as intellectual stimulation, idealized influence,
individualized consideration and inspirational motivation commonly known as four I’s, were crucial in promoting
innovation, aligning organizational missions with digital tools and keeping going team engagement. However, evidence shows
the practice of blended leadership, through transactional elements to complement transformational behaviors. These
findings emphasize the adaptive nature of effective NGO leadership and point out the value of leadership flexibility in digital
contexts. The study contributes to leadership and development literature by offering context-specific perceptions into how
digital transformation unfolds under transformational leadership in West Africa, and Nigeria in particular. It also puts up
to practical suggestions for NGOs leaders and stakeholders aiming to ameliorate digital resilience and performance.
Keywords :
Digital Transformation, Transformational Leadership, Nonprofit Innovation, Leadership Adaptability, Case Study, Nigerian NGOs.