Abstract
Background: Technology only will not bring about Digital Transformation success. This transformation impacts the entire business model. It is therefore necessary to look at industry transformation processes more holistically beyond the narrow prism of technology as the main influencing factor. The utility is embarking on its digital transformation journey, introducing new technologies with an aim of enhancing operational efficiencies, plant health improvement and revenue generation. Currently there is no research detailing the status of DT within the utility and the progress made with regards to DT implementation. Additionally, existing research on digital transformation implementation primarily adopts a generic perspective, with limited focus on utility specific approaches. This highlights a need for a shared understanding of expectations and a broader consideration of key factors to ensure DT effort. Therefore, this article aims at gaining deeper understandings of how senior managers are experiencing the implementation of DT by investigating the prevalence of antecedents and barriers as expressed by the utility senior managers.
Method: In gathering data, exploratory qualitative method was adopted. This study focused on 15 senior managers of the utility in South Africa. A purposive sampling approach was used to sample the senior managers, focusing only on those that are involved in the development and implementation of Digital Transformational at a strategic level. Semi structured interviews were conducted with senior managers.
Results: The findings revealed that digital transformation antecedents such as, information technology, digital projects, ecosystem, and customer engagement are more prevalent in the utility. However, there were concerns on antecedents such as new forms of leadership, culture, and digital strategy as a result these factors were less prevalent. Also, the lack of robust infrastructure, financial constraints, and lack of digital skills were identified as some of the barriers impeding DT success.
Conclusion: Understanding which barriers that could potentially impact on DT efforts and antecedents that are critical for DT success, will equip senior managers who are responsible for driving this change with the insights to effectively navigate the DT complexities. Fostering higher levels of digital maturity in the utility