Title: The management of digital transformation in German companies: an empirical analysis

Authors: Bernd Britzelmaier; Friederike Kurz; Patrick Kraus; Sina Holder

Addresses: Business School, Pforzheim University, 75175, Pforzheim, Germany ' Business School, Pforzheim University, 75175, Pforzheim, Germany; 70174, Stuttgart, Germany ' Business School, Pforzheim University, 75175, Pforzheim, Germany ' Business School, HUGO BOSS, 72555, Metzingen, Germany

Abstract: The topic of digital transformation is ubiquitous, and its popularity has been rising for several years. Incorporating digital transformation is essential for businesses to survive and remain competitive. Studies on the status of digital transformation in businesses have had varied findings, but the question of how to manage digital transformation remains unanswered. This study investigated the current conceptual approaches and their application in practice. To achieve this, interviews with experts from eight German companies were conducted. The findings showed that research on digital transformation is still in its infancy. Theoretical approaches are restricted and should thus be viewed as a starting point for managing digital transformation; they should be refined and expanded in the future. Most of these approaches are also utilised in a simplified way in practice. Few companies intend to modify their implemented instruments. A specialised tool for managing digital transition seems to be not necessary.

Keywords: digital transformation; digitalisation; German companies; management control; holistic management; performance management; management control instruments.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2022.129058

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2022 Vol.15 No.3, pp.297 - 317

Received: 12 Oct 2022
Accepted: 13 Oct 2022
Published online: 16 Feb 2023 *

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