A Cognitive Perspective on Digital Transformation: Literature Review and Research Framework

Marx C.; de Paula D.; Haskamp T.; Uebernickel F.


Abstract

Managing Digital Transformation (DT) has become a top priority for executives as technological advancements and increasing decision-making complexity accelerate challenges in navigating through DT. Acknowledging that cognition (e.g., in the form of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions) is fundamentally relevant during organizational transformation processes, we address the maturing body of DT research from a cognitive perspective. While the study of cognition in management and strategy can look back to decades of investigation, research on the role of cognition in DT is fragmented and still in its infancy. Addressing this gap, we systematically review existing research from information systems, management, and psychology on the role of cognition in DT. Based on identified antecedents, contextual factors, and consequences, and a conceptualization of cognition, we provide an integrative framework for cognitive DT research and derive four promising research avenues. We thereby provide guidelines to develop strategies for successful DT and organizational action.

Keywords
cognition; digital transformation; literature review; research agenda



Publication type
Research article in proceedings (conference)

Peer reviewed
Yes

Publication status
Published

Year
2023

Conference
56th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS) 2023

Venue
Hawaii

Book title
Proceedings of the 56th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences

Editor
Bui, Tung

Start page
4234

End page
4243

Publisher
IEEE Computer Society

Place
Hawaii

Language
English

ISSN
1530-1605

ISBN
9780998133164

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