Driving Digital Transformation: Culture is Key

Digital transformation is changing the business landscape across all industries. Leaders are embracing the process rapidly because they recognize the value it offers. As companies move from the early stages of their digital transformation to full adoption, most companies encounter unexpected challenges. For instance, clashes between the employees’ and the employer’s expectations of the work environment. In this digital age, organisations not only offer digital products and services but also propel core operations with technology. To become an organisation that prides itself in embracing digital culture through transformation, companies need to fine-tune the behaviours of employees, regarding their interactions with each other and externally, to align with the overall vision of the organisation.

With the waves of digital transformation, it should come as no surprise that traditional ways of working are incompatible with the modern work environment. People are more inclined to join organisations where digital culture is fostered and practised. Before companies embark on digital transformation, culture gaps must be addressed, and solutions proffered to ensure buy-in of the initiative. By incorporating these new ways of working, organisations can develop a sustainable blueprint for talent acquisition and create an environment where talent is harnessed and retained.

Leaders must acknowledge digital transformation as a fundamental, strategic paradigm shift for any organisation. Like any major transformation, a digital transformation requires adopting a bespoke culture in the organisation’s DNA while driving the company’s overarching strategy. Embedding a digital culture in an organisation is achievable; however, it requires deliberate actions and a clear approach. There are some critical success factors for companies to build an enduring digital culture. They are:

· Articulate the change required to attain the shared vision of the organisation.

Leaders must identify the characteristics of the desired digital culture based on the company’s strategy, goals, and purpose. When companies clearly define the behaviours that matter and their employees adhere to them, organisations are more likely to reap results.

· Encourage the right values and attitudes within the organisation.

When leaders begin to promote the right attitudes and values in their organisation, employees are urged to follow suit and act appropriately.

· Align organisation culture to the existing strategy of the organisation.

The introduction of a digital culture represents a departure from the traditional way of operating. Organisations need to align the new desired culture to fit the existing strategy of the organisation.

Here are some of the reasons why having a digital culture is vital to any organisation.

· Companies that focus on culture can sustain strong performance.

A strong digital culture which is aligned to the companies overarching strategy provides the guidelines that steer individuals to act appropriately and make choices that advance the organisation’s goals and strategy.

· A digital culture empowers people to deliver results faster.

Digital organisations move faster than traditional ones, and their inferred flat hierarchy helps to speed up decision-making. A digital culture serves as a code of conduct that gives employees the authority to make judgment calls and on the spot decisions.

· A digital culture attracts talent.

Having a reputation as a digital leader is a magnet for talent. Millennials, who make up a large chunk of the workforce, are generally drawn to digital companies, with their promise of a collaborative, creative environment and greater autonomy. Millennials are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of culture and are willing to find the perfect fit for their talent.

The importance of digital culture cannot be overemphasized in the quest for an organisation’s overall transformation. Digital culture plays a huge role in the employees’ performances and the organisation’s performance, as a healthy culture creates a high-performance environment.

To get more information on how your organisation can drive transformation through digital culture, contact our specialists at pcl.

Gbemi Adenusi