4IR Leadership Effectiveness and Practical Implications for Construction Business Organisations

The construction industry has generally been labelled as rigid and slow in its response to change. This is not unconnected with certain features of construction products such as their project-based nature, multiple-stakeholders and professionals, and lengthy processes involved in the construction supply chain. The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) presents another moment of change in the global business arena and is dynamically influencing different organisations and their strategic positioning. There is evidence that leadership drives the change agenda. However, scholars also suggest that construction business leaders are unhurried in their pace, strategic decisions and flexibility. This study employed a systematic literature review in identifying the leadership traits, style and intelligence required for construction leaders to lead effectively in the 4IR. The leadership framework developed gives an indication as to the practical implications of 4IR for construction business leaders and concludes that a combination of factors will lead to leadership effectiveness and high levels of 4IR implementation.