The digital transformation of Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises: insights from digital tool adoption
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Author (Corporation)
Publication date
2022
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Type
01A - Journal article
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Parent work
Journal of Strategy and Management
Special issue
Special Issue: Digital transformation, strategic management and entrepreneurial process: dynamics, challenges and opportunities
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Series
Series number
Volume
15
Issue / Number
3
Pages / Duration
468-494
Patent number
Publisher / Publishing institution
Emerald
Place of publication / Event location
Bingley
Edition
Version
Programming language
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Practice partner / Client
Abstract
PurposeThe study explores the alignment of Swiss small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) managers' understanding of digital transformation, with evidence of digital tool adoption in managerial and operative work. This reveals opportunities for more fully realizing the potential of digital transformation for SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis multiple-case study, with four theoretically sampled cases, analyzes data from the qualitative answers of 1,593 respondents to a survey of Swiss SMEs about digital transformation. The study draws on a convenience sample of Swiss SME managers.FindingsThe analysis shows little understanding of digital transformation as related to managerial work. However, there are two clear digital tool adoption patterns for managerial work: (1) workflow and workforce management and (2) work-flow and team management. Understandings of digital transformation and operative work focus on the (1) organization of operational work or (2) a combination of organization and changing the way people work. The digital tool adoption in operational work additionally focuses on the digital skills of operational employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is only able to identify patters of understanding of digital transformation and digital tool adoption in managerial and operative work. More research is needed to understand why these patterns are observed.Practical implicationsSME managers need to think far more carefully about aligning their vision for digital transformation and the digital tools they adopt in both managerial and operational work, but especially in managerial work.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study of the digital transformation of Swiss SMEs and their digital tool adoption. Significant potential for alignment is revealed, suggesting potential performance gains are possible.
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ISBN
ISSN
1755-4268
1755-425X
1755-425X
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Hybrid
License
Citation
Kraft, C., Lindeque, J. P., & Peter, M. K. (2022). The digital transformation of Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises: insights from digital tool adoption. Journal of Strategy and Management, 15(3), 468–494. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSMA-02-2021-0063