Paper Type
Complete
Abstract
The rapid pace of digital transformation exacerbates cyber risk, thereby necessitating the development of a cybersecurity culture (CSC). However, cultural development is inherently slower than technological change, making leadership a key factor in bridging this gap. This study empirically investigates how leaders develop a CSC amid RDT, drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, archival reports, and field observations within an Ethiopian bank undergoing digital transformation. The findings show that tailored leadership strategies and targeted interventions are critical in developing a CSC. This research contributes to the IS leadership literature by highlighting that, unlike traditional law enforcement leadership's hierarchical and protocol-driven nature, cybersecurity leadership must be adaptive and responsive to the pace of organizational transformation.
Paper Number
1267
Recommended Citation
Adamu", "Meseret Assefa; Niemimaa, Marko; and Spagnoletti, Paolo, "Leadership Role in Fostering Cybersecurity Culture Amid Rapid Digital Transformation" (2025). AMCIS 2025 Proceedings. 2.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2025/is_leader/is_leader/2
Leadership Role in Fostering Cybersecurity Culture Amid Rapid Digital Transformation
The rapid pace of digital transformation exacerbates cyber risk, thereby necessitating the development of a cybersecurity culture (CSC). However, cultural development is inherently slower than technological change, making leadership a key factor in bridging this gap. This study empirically investigates how leaders develop a CSC amid RDT, drawing on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, archival reports, and field observations within an Ethiopian bank undergoing digital transformation. The findings show that tailored leadership strategies and targeted interventions are critical in developing a CSC. This research contributes to the IS leadership literature by highlighting that, unlike traditional law enforcement leadership's hierarchical and protocol-driven nature, cybersecurity leadership must be adaptive and responsive to the pace of organizational transformation.
When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.
Comments
SIGLEAD