Content area
Objective: This thesis aims to examine the VUCA phenomenon's impact on leadership by tracing its evolution and aligning it with key characteristics of five leadership styles. It highlights the shiftfrom traditional to modern leadership and the need for leadership traits that in response to the complexities and ambiguities of the external environment. Theoretical Framework: Contemporary research expands leadership beyond authority, and this paper studies how leaders have adapted to these changes by analyzing the shiftin leadership roles in response to the VUCA environment over recent decades. Method: Literature review-based method emloyed to explain the ongoing shiftfrom traditional to modern, the changes in role of leaders over the past decades by studying how different leadership styles can respond to the changes in VUCA environment Results and Discussion: The findings show that effective leadership today requires not only authority but also the ability to influence, reassure, and support teams through uncertainty. This shifthelps firms better address VUCA challenges and navigate future uncertainties. Research Implications: This paper stresses the importance of flexibility in leadership theories to navigate the VUCA environment. It emphasizes key leadership traits that help businesses, from SMEs to large enterprises, adapt to today's dynamic business landscape, fostering open-mindedness in leaders and advocating for tailored strategies to ensure business survival. Originality/Value: This study enriches academic leadership theory, offering new perspectives on change and the survival of traditional leadership in modern times.