The Journey towards Digital Work Empowerment - Conceptualizing IS-Induced Change on the Shop Floor

Information systems (IS), introduced as part of the digital transformation efforts of many manufacturing companies, redefine the role of a prior digitally disconnected workforce group: Shop floor workers (SFWs). Their evolution - from routine workers to empowered operational knowledge workers and process facilitators - challenges both the individual and the organization on various levels. Based on insights from an in-depth case study, we explore the digital transformation journey of a large-scale manufacturing company between 2016 and 2019. Analyzing data from interviews with 24 SFWs and applying the theoretical lens of technological frames allows us to highlight complex interrelations between IS-induced change, the mindset change and the work practices change. We revisit our analysis of the technological frame perceptions via a reflection with organizational executive experts and develop a more holistic understanding of IS-induced change.