Digital Leadership, Knowledge Management, and Cybersecurity Readiness: Building Organizational Resilience in IT and Fintech Firms

Abstract

This study examined the impact of digital transformational leadership (DTL) on organizational resilience (ORS), directly and in the mediation role of knowledge management (KM), while the moderating role of cybersecurity readiness (CR) in Pakistan’s IT services and fintech sectors. Guided by the Knowledge-Based View (KBV), the study tested a moderated mediation model using survey data from 430 managerial employees. Data were analyzed using SPSS and PROCESS Macro. Results showed that DTL positively influenced both KM and ORS, with KM partially mediating the DTL–ORS relationship. KM had a significant positive effect on ORS, and CR strengthened this relationship, indicating that resilience benefits most when knowledge processes operate alongside strong cybersecurity capabilities. These findings contribute to theory by integrating CR into KBV and offer practical guidance for developing leadership, knowledge systems, and security readiness to enhance resilience in high-risk digital environments.