Why is digital transformation so slow? The shadow of dehumanization 2.0

Abstract

Purpose – In recent years we have seen major technological advancements including the launch of large language models such as ChatGPT and the popularity of the digital transformation topic among professionals and academics. Despite this, the pace of digital transformation is surprisingly slow. We aimed to identify behavioral antecedents of an organization’s sluggish digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach – We adopted the organizational level of analysis, which differs from prior analyses of technological revolutions that looked at the phenomenon from an aggregate labor market or society level of analysis. Findings – We identified dehumanization as a key construct useful in examining the behavioral impediments to digital transformation. We indicated that the traditionally dual understanding of dehumanization needs to incorporate the actual involvement of non human agents in operational and decision-making processes in organizations. Originality/value – We complemented the predominant approach of digital transformation, which focuses on technology and related business model development, with a behavioral approach. We considered digital transformation as an extreme degree of change, similar to the Industrial Revolution. We paved the way for the conceptual development of dehumanization in the digital world and for developing managerial practices useful in alleviating concerns that impede the pace of digital transformation.