HRM and Digital Leadership: Exploring the Mediating Role of Digital Talent and Digital Culture in Driving Innovative Performance in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry

This chapter aims to evaluate the impact of digital leadership on enhancing innovative performance within Saudi Arabian travel and tourism agencies. Additionally, the chapter investigates the mediating roles of digital talent and culture in the relationship between digital leadership and innovative performance. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire was designed and administered to a random sample of employees from Saudi Arabian travel and tourism agencies. Out of the 584 questionnaires distributed, 486 were included in the analysis. The findings revealed that digital leadership has a significant and positive effect on digital talent, digital culture, and innovative performance. Moreover, the results indicated that both digital talent and digital culture have a significant and positive impact on innovative performance. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that digital talent and digital culture partially mediate the relationship between digital leadership and innovative performance. These findings offer valuable insights into how leaders can leverage digital technologies and cultivate a digital workforce to drive innovation. This knowledge can inform managerial practices and contribute to the ongoing digital transformation within the tourism and hospitality sector.