Leadership, politics and society in the digital age

About this Research Topic

Background

The digital age implies substantial transformations of leadership. Digital platforms have allowed leaders to manage teams more efficiently but also to engage with people on a personal level, sharing real-time thoughts and responding to queries. This shift has transformed how leaders cultivate relationships, with those skilled at using social media potentially seen as more relatable and trustworthy.

Beyond individual relationships, the digital age has significantly influenced society and politics. While traditional media served as the primary information source, the internet facilitates access to diverse perspectives, fostering a more (dis)informed and politically exposed public. Digital platforms have become a catalyst for organizing protests, rallies, and political events, fostering a dynamic and competitive political landscape, making easier the appearance of new grassroots leaderships as well.

Leadership in the digital age requires leveraging digital tools to establish authentic connections with citizens, actively engaging in two-way communication, and effectively mobilizing support. The electoral landscape is now intricately tied to the digital realm, making digital literacy and strategic online presence essential components of successful leadership in contemporary societies.

The purpose of this Research Topic is to contribute to the literature on leadership and digital politics, answering the following research questions:

- How do leaders leverage social media platforms for communication, and what impact does this have on their perceived effectiveness and public image?
- What role does digital leadership play in shaping political discourse and opinion in the contemporary media environment?
- What are the key challenges faced by leaders in managing their online presence, including issues related to misinformation, disinformation, and the rapid spread of narratives?
- How does the digitalization of political campaigns influence leadership strategies, fundraising efforts, and overall campaign success?
- In what ways does the digital age impact the relationship between political leaders and their constituents, and how does this influence voter trust and engagement?
- How do emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, influence the strategies and decision-making processes of leaders in the digital age?

The contributions to the Research Topic must answer to the research questions. We welcome theoretical and empirical papers. In the last case, we welcome papers that cover the topic from both quantitative and/or qualitative methodological approaches. Papers can be comparative or focused on one single case.

Keywords: leadership, digital networks, civil society, political parties, social media, populism, political behaviour, electoral campaigns, voting trends

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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