Unpacking digital transformation: identifying key enablers, transition stages and digital archetypes

Gillani, F. ORCID: 0000-0001-6735-061X, Ali Chatha, K., Sadiq Jajja, S., Cao, D. ORCID: 0000-0002-2614-3726 and Ma, X. ORCID: 0000-0003-1318-3590, 2024. Unpacking digital transformation: identifying key enablers, transition stages and digital archetypes. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 203: 123335. ISSN 0040-1625

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Abstract

This study aims to identify recurring Digital Transformation (DT) archetypes within firms and explore the capabilities and values associated with each archetype. Underpinned by the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory, the study provides a framework explicating the enabling factors, their characteristics, interdependencies, operational capabilities, and resultant value creation within the context of digitalizing firm operations. Employing a deductive-inductive approach, an exhaustive literature review combined with an in-depth, multiple case study analysis of sixteen firms provides rich insights into the digital transformation journey. Findings reveal technology, data, human capital, processes, and organization structure as key enablers alongside their critical, complementary roles for transformation. Cross-case analysis identified instances of the DT framework, uncovering three archetypes: process efficiency, responsiveness, and strategic agility. Each archetype exhibits distinct socio-technical enabler configurations and improvements to business processes, resulting in unique operational capabilities and value generation. This research provides actionable guidance for managers in leveraging socio-technical enablers to achieve successful digital transformation. It underscores the need for tailored strategies, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. Managers must strategically select desired values and develop the necessary socio-technical system components, processes, and operational capabilities to attain them.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Technological Forecasting and Social Change
Creators:	Gillani, F., Ali Chatha, K., Sadiq Jajja, S., Cao, D. and Ma, X.
Publisher:	Elsevier
Date:	June 2024
Volume:	203
ISSN:	0040-1625
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123335 DOI 1879783 Other
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Laura Ward
Date Added:	27 Mar 2024 10:22
Last Modified:	27 Mar 2024 10:22
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/51174

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