Title: How do the managers of local businesses integrate the digital transition imperative into their strategy?

Authors: Déborah Lejuste; François Acquatella; Martine Hlady-Rispal

Addresses: Limoges University, Rue François Mitterrand, 87031 Limoges Cedex 1, France ' Paris-Dauphine University, PSL University, CNRS, DRM, 75016 Paris, France ' IAE – Academic Management School, Rue François Mitterrand, 87031 Limoges Cedex 1, France

Abstract: While the deployment of modern digital tools, understood internally, could have an impact on organisation and production processes, the perception of growing complexity, combined with a lack of training, is preventing local businesses managers from implementing a real long-term digital strategy, to meet their customers' expectations as effectively as possible. A qualitative study analysed the attitudes and behaviours of local businesses managers, as well as their strategies, showing how societal changes are nevertheless pushing them towards digital maturity. Beyond a real awareness of the importance of integrating digital technology into their strategy, and the desire to make it converge with the ecological transition, DIY and a lack of time are holding back innovation and digital maturity, which suggests a long road ahead for local businesses managers, who are nonetheless the key to successful and profitable digital integration.

Keywords: digital transition; manager; local business; strategy; crisis.

DOI: 10.1504/EMJM.2024.140144

EuroMed Journal of Management, 2024 Vol.6 No.2, pp.128 - 152

Received: 13 Jul 2023
Accepted: 16 Oct 2023
Published online: 25 Jul 2024 *

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