Research pick: Ready for it? - "The role of organisational culture and digital leadership in enhancing employee development skills during digital transformation: mediating role of technology readiness"

Preparedness, rather than technology, is what will drive success in digital transformation, according to research in the International Journal of Business and Globalisation. The study surveyed 200 professionals involved in digital change initiatives and found that that technological progress delivers value only when people are ready and able to work with it.

Digital transformation is defined as the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) across all areas of business. It has become a strategic imperative for organisations seeking to remain competitive. Yet, this research makes clear that the human factor, personal readiness and capability need to develop alongside the technological innovations for the transformation to be complete. The researchers identify three key factors shaping this process: digital leadership, organisational culture, and technology readiness.

Technology readiness can refer not only to the psychological and practical preparedness of individuals or organisations to adopt and use new technologies but encompasses technical competence and confidence. The motivation and openness to change must also be present.

The research also points out that technology readiness is pivotal in leadership, culture, and employee growth. Among these three factors, organisational culture emerges as the most powerful driver of readiness. Where the workplace encourages experimentation, collaboration, and innovation, employees are far more likely to engage positively with technological change. A culture that tolerates some degree of failure, rewards curiosity, and values can underpin adaptability across a company.

The researchers emphasise that workers who feel equipped and confident to use technology are more adept at problem-solving, more adaptable to new challenges, and more capable of continuous learning. These can be seen as the very traits that define resilience in the digital economy. The team also points out that their findings might equally be applicable across society. As national economies become more dependent on digital infrastructure, workforce readiness emerges as a societal issue, the findings suggest. Policymakers and educators might look to these findings for insight into how training programmes might be tailored to strengthen competitiveness at scale.

Basalamah, M.S.A. and Basalamah, J. (2025) ‘The role of organisational culture and digital leadership in enhancing employee development skills during digital transformation: mediating role of technology readiness’, Int. J. Business and Globalisation, Vol. 41, No. 5, pp.1–17.