DIGITAL LEADERSHIP AND THE FUTURE OF WORK: A STUDY ON AI ADOPTION, DIGITAL READINESS AND EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AMONG MANAGEMENT STUDENTS

Abstract

Technological progress has changed the ways in which people learn, communicate and work, and artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used across many occupations. Students therefore need to understand new technologies and prepare for the kind of work they may carry out in future. Along with technical knowledge, they must also possess skills such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and adaptability. This paper examines digital leadership, AI adoption, digital readiness and employability skills among management students. Its main objective is to understand how students use AI tools and how confident they are in a digital environment. The study also considers the skills that students regard as important for their careers and whether they need further support or training to acquire them. A descriptive research design is proposed, in which data are collected from students through a structured questionnaire and analysed using appropriate statistical methods to assess their use of AI, digital readiness and employability skills. The study is expected to show the extent to which students are prepared for a world of work in which AI and digital technologies are becoming common, and its findings will help colleges plan training programmes, workshops and other skill-development activities. Preparing students for the future requires not only teaching them to use technology but also helping them become adaptable, confident and capable of sound decision-making in a changing work environment.