Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.2478/otmcj-2026-0006
Leadership styles in the adoption of 4IR technologies in the construction industry
Murendeni Liphadzi
; Department of Construction Management & Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
*
Clinton Aigbavboa
; Department of Construction Management & Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Temidayo Osunsanmi
; School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland, UK
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
; Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology, Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has transformed numerous sectors, yet the construction industry lags in adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and Internet of things (IoT). This study explores how leadership styles can drive the integration of 4IR technologies in construction, aiming to identify approaches that foster innovation and technological advancement. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the research examines data collected via a structured questionnaire from built environment professionals in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences v29 to uncover key leadership patterns. The findings highlight four pivotal leadership styles: transformational, transactional, charismatic and autocratic, as essential for 4IR technology adoption. Transformational leadership encourages innovation and empowerment, transactional leadership ensures procedural compliance, charismatic leadership inspires during uncertainty and autocratic leadership offers decisive guidance. Based on these insights, a four-dimensional leadership framework was developed to assist stakeholders in balancing these styles for effective 4IR integration. The study underscores the importance of leadership training and adaptability to accelerate technological uptake and support industry progress. Despite the limitations emanating from this study, it contributes to practice by providing a practical four-dimensional leadership framework for construction stakeholders to enhance 4IR technology adoption, improving efficiency and innovation. It also provides a roadmap for further research to validate the framework and expand across different industries and regions.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
348936
URI
Publication date:
15.5.2026.
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