A behavioural perspective on developing digital transformation capabilities: the roles of continuous improvement and digital transformation readiness

Szűcs-Luipold, Lucia (2024) A behavioural perspective on developing digital transformation capabilities: the roles of continuous improvement and digital transformation readiness. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background. Digital transformation (DT) and continuous improvement (CI) are interconnected concepts that are seen as central to shaping organisational success. While many manufacturing firms have well-established CI capabilities, serving as a primary change mechanism embedded in their organisational culture, they are now faced with the duality of integrating novel digital technologies into their business models, while at the same time transforming their workforce to leverage digital opportunities. Extant research does not anticipate CI-DT tensions and fails to explain the impact of organisational culture on the readiness of individuals to engage in DT, and the success of DT initiatives. In response, this dissertation aims to conceptualise and examine the interplay of CI culture and DT dynamics. By drawing on the theory of planned behaviour, this research views this interface from a complex systems perspective, investigating novel interrelationships in the realm of organisational behaviour.

Methodology. To address the research gaps, a cross-sectional survey design was employed that focused on the high-value manufacturing sector. For hypothesis testing, structural equation modelling was applied in three inter-linked studies involving 300 respondents.

Results. Results suggest that enabling DT behaviours is contingent: self-efficacy uniquely influences the intention to engage in DT, and DT behaviours strongly influence DT performance. In the presence of CI, the dynamics influencing individual DT readiness changed, suggesting paradoxical effects. Additionally, the relationships between DT intention, DT behaviours and DT performance are moderated by CI maturity.

Contributions. This dissertation advances an understanding of the interplay between CI culture and DT dynamics by emphasising paradoxical effects. It presents novel insights into how individuals contribute to the success of DT by demonstrating the influential effects of competence, motivation and behaviours. Further, CI offers some explanation for paradoxical effects in developing DT capabilities. The findings have implications for the theory of planned behaviour by demonstrating theoretical recursiveness and contextual network reasoning supporting the principles of organisational learning.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Norwich Business School
Depositing User:	Nicola Veasy
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2024 08:24
Last Modified:	15 Jul 2024 08:24
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/95913
DOI:

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