Intelligent Management of Human Capital

Intelligent Management of Human Capital

The Role of Digital Leadership in Strengthening AI-Based Strategic Alignment in Iranian Government Organizations Using the Grounded Theory Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
hadi zahabi 1
mohamamd mahdi mohtadi 2
mehdi safian 3
ali taheri 4
1 Ph.D. Student of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Strategic Planning Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Imam Hussein University, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: h.zahabi882@gmail.com
2 2. Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management and Strategic Planning, Imam Hussein University, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: .
3 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management and Strategic Planning, Imam Hussein University, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Organizational Transformation and Excellence, Faculty of Management and Strategic Planning, Imam Hussein (AS) University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/imhr.2026.567063.1054
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The objective of this Research is to explore and explain the role of digital leadership in strengthening artificial intelligence-based strategic alignment in Iranian government organizations.
 Methodology: The present study was conducted using a qualitative approach and employing the grounded theory strategy. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 senior managers and expert specialists from government organizations with experience in implementing artificial intelligence projects, and were simultaneously analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding until theoretical saturation was achieved.
 Findings: The paradigmatic model of "AI-Driven Digital Leadership" was extracted, with its core phenomenon being "Transformative Digital Leadership Based on Artificial Intelligence." This model encompasses causal conditions (national policy pressures and digital transformation), contextual conditions (bureaucratic structure and infrastructural limitations), intervening conditions (cultural and ethical challenges), strategies (development of digital competencies and culture-building), and consequences (strengthening strategic alignment, innovation in public services, and improvement in organizational performance.
Conclusion: This research, employs a grounded theory approach to indigenously examine the role of digital leadership in artificial intelligence-based strategic alignment within the Iranian public sector, presenting a conceptual model that can serve as a framework for policy-making and the development of managerial competencies in government digital transformation programs.
Keywords
Digital Leadership
Strategic Alignment
Artificial Intelligence
Grounded Theory
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