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A new proposed model to assess the digital organizational readiness to maximize the results of the digital transformation in SMEs

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:Scientific research in digital transformation is expanding in scope, quantity, and relevance, bringing forth diverse perspectives on which factors and specific dimensions—such as organizational structure, culture, and technological readiness—affect the success of digital transformation initiatives. Numerous studies have proposed mechanisms to assess an organization's maturity through digital transformation across various models. Some of these models focus on external influences, others on internal factors, or both. Although these assessments provide valuable insights into a company's transformation state, they often lack consistency, and recent research highlights key gaps. Specifically, many models primarily reflect the views of senior management on the general progress of digital transformation rather than on measurable outcomes. Moreover, these models tend to target large enterprises, overlooking small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to economic growth yet face unique challenges, such as limited resources and expertise.  Our study addresses these gaps by concentrating on SMEs and introducing a novel approach to assessing digital transformation readiness—a metric that reflects how prepared an organization is to optimize transformation outcomes. Following design science research methodology, we develop a model that centers on the perspectives of general employees, offering companies an in-depth view of their readiness across 20 dimensions. Each dimension is evaluated through behaviors indicative of the highest level of digital transformation readiness, helping companies identify areas to maximize potential benefits. Our model focuses not on technological quality but on the degree to which behaviors essential for leveraging technology and innovative business models are integrated within the organization.
Autores principais:Silva, Rui Pedro
Outros Autores:Mamede, Henrique São; Santos, Vitor
Assunto:Assessment model Digital transformation Readiness SMEs Success factors Business and International Management Economics and Econometrics Marketing Management of Technology and Innovation SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Ano:2025
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Repositório Institucional da UNL
Descrição
Resumo:Scientific research in digital transformation is expanding in scope, quantity, and relevance, bringing forth diverse perspectives on which factors and specific dimensions—such as organizational structure, culture, and technological readiness—affect the success of digital transformation initiatives. Numerous studies have proposed mechanisms to assess an organization's maturity through digital transformation across various models. Some of these models focus on external influences, others on internal factors, or both. Although these assessments provide valuable insights into a company's transformation state, they often lack consistency, and recent research highlights key gaps. Specifically, many models primarily reflect the views of senior management on the general progress of digital transformation rather than on measurable outcomes. Moreover, these models tend to target large enterprises, overlooking small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to economic growth yet face unique challenges, such as limited resources and expertise.  Our study addresses these gaps by concentrating on SMEs and introducing a novel approach to assessing digital transformation readiness—a metric that reflects how prepared an organization is to optimize transformation outcomes. Following design science research methodology, we develop a model that centers on the perspectives of general employees, offering companies an in-depth view of their readiness across 20 dimensions. Each dimension is evaluated through behaviors indicative of the highest level of digital transformation readiness, helping companies identify areas to maximize potential benefits. Our model focuses not on technological quality but on the degree to which behaviors essential for leveraging technology and innovative business models are integrated within the organization.