Digital transformation: setting the pace
ISSN: 0275-6668
Article publication date: 29 July 2020
Issue publication date: 25 August 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the paths of digital transformation followed by companies facing disruption and offer recommendations for executives for choosing the appropriate path.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper.
Findings
This paper identifies two paths of digital transformation. The offensive path is aggressive and involves the rapid acquisition of digital resources through portfolio investment and merger and acquisition tactics. The defensive path is relatively slow and relies on the organic growth of the digital capabilities of the incumbent companies over time.
Research limitations/implications
This paper identifies a number of potential factors affecting the choice of the transformation path taken by companies. Further studies can be conducted to investigate these contingent factors.
Practical implications
This study describes the strategic paths available in a digital transformation and identifies the conditions that might justify a particular approach.
Originality/value
This paper identifies two types of paths that are generally followed by companies aiming digital transformation – offensive and defensive. This aspect has not been studied in any other research work.
Keywords
Citation
Margiono, A. (2021), "Digital transformation: setting the pace", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 42 No. 5, pp. 315-322. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-11-2019-0215
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited