Reframing AI: Strategic Leadership for Inclusive Growth and Innovation

Authors

  • Ibiyemi Lawani Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47672/ajlg.2798

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence (O33), Strategic Leadership (M10), Digital Transformation (O32), Inclusivity (M14), Organizational Resilience (M19)

Abstract

Purpose: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries by improving operations, enhancing predictive capabilities, and supporting sustainability initiatives. Yet, as adoption accelerates, many organizations lack the strategic leadership capacity and governance foresight to guide integration responsibly. This paper reframes AI not merely as a technical instrument but as a strategic leadership imperative essential for building resilient, innovative, and inclusive organizations. It aims to provide leaders, especially non-technical decision-makers, with a structured approach to navigate AI adoption intentionally, fairly, and effectively.

Materials and Methods: The study adopts a conceptual and analytical approach, drawing from strategic leadership theory and innovation management. It synthesizes interdisciplinary insights to design the Leadership Readiness Framework (LRF), a tool that helps leaders assess organizational readiness, identify value-aligned AI opportunities, and mitigate ethical and operational risks. The framework integrates findings from documented patterns of organizational AI adoption with established leadership practices in digital transformation contexts.

Findings: The framework illustrates that successful AI integration depends less on technical capability and more on leadership mindset, governance culture, and ethical orientation. Organizations that view AI as a catalyst for inclusive growth rather than solely as an automation tool tend to demonstrate greater adaptability, stakeholder trust, and long-term sustainability. The LRF supports these outcomes by bridging strategic foresight with actionable decision-making tools, helping leaders align AI initiatives with organizational purpose and social responsibility.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: The paper advances a leadership-centered perspective on AI adoption, highlighting the interplay among ethics, inclusion, and innovation. Practically, it provides the Leadership Readiness Framework (LRF) as a roadmap for executives, policymakers, and consultants seeking to translate AI potential into equitable business value. At the policy level, the study advocates for governance models that integrate human-centered leadership principles into AI strategy, encouraging responsible innovation that benefits diverse communities. Overall, it positions leadership as the critical enabler of an inclusive and sustainable AI-driven future.

 

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Published

2025-11-13

How to Cite

Lawani, I. (2025). Reframing AI: Strategic Leadership for Inclusive Growth and Innovation. American Journal of Leadership and Governance, 10(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajlg.2798

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ibiyemi Lawani

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