Shedding Light on the Unsung Hero: Workforce Transformation as a Catalyst for Digital Transformation

Abstract

Recent studies have underscored the pivotal role of employees in supporting digital transformation (DT) success. However, despite growing interest, the foundational elements of workforce transformation (WT) remain underexplored, leaving critical questions unanswered. Our paper seeks to address this gap by theorising core pillars of workforce transformation from existing literature and examining their interrelationships in the context of DT. In this paper, we address the WT phenomenon within the digital transformation process in an inductive way, rather than relying on predetermined knowledge. Through an inductive analysis of 73 empirical studies, we identify six key elements: (i) digital fluency and champions, (ii) transformational leadership and governance, (iii) worker agency, (iv) innovation culture, (v) collaborative foresight and improvisations, and (vi) digitally-engaged workspaces. We then map the interconnections among these pillars within DT processes, positioning transformational leadership at the heart of workforce transformation. The paper concludes by proposing future directions informed by our findings and critical research gaps.

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