Abstract
This research investigates the role of leaders in leading the implementation of innovation initiatives in a technology-led investment management company. The innovation initiatives are geared towards enhancing processes, systems and operations. The research set out to investigate the role leaders play in innovation and whether they are well-positioned to provide valuable support for innovation in the organisation.
The data for this study was collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 participants employed in the same investment management company. This phenomenon is exploring a dynamic subject in a highly competitive and volatile industry. Innovation in the investment industry presents opportunities for the introduction of platform technologies that have the potential to enhance operational processes and customer experiences. Despite the uncertainties employees have due to the fast pace of change, pressures to adopt the use of new technologies in a timely way, and fears they hold about future skills demand, employees also relay a perception of confidence they have in their ability to continuously self-develop and adapt to changes in demands of the skills market.
Through the process of thematic analysis, four themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) innovation: unpacking initiatives, motivations and organisational consequences; (2) the crucial role of leaders in driving the adoption of new technologies; (3) how technological advances shape change, zooming in on consequences; and lastly (4) employee-driven continuous professional development is a requirement for leveraging technological innovation. It is recommended for leaders to maintain a good attitude about innovation initiatives proposed for implementation in their organisation as this has an impact on the perceptions and adoption attitude of their teams. To successfully lead teams through technology-driven changes, leaders need to adopt an approach of continuous professional development and stay knowledgeable about new technologies and trends. In addition to achieving the research objectives, the study also contributed to the body of knowledge through an in-depth inquiry into the subjects under review, and the connection between leadership and technological innovation in an investment management company.
Key words: Leadership, Innovation, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Leveraging technology.