Digital Transformation and Organizational Culture: Beyond Technology
Time Lumis
PublicadoDigital transformation is the concept of incorporating digital technologies into business operations, practically in all sectors. Thus, it is not only based on technology, it requires a complete structural change, from product and service development to customer service. Therefore, digital transformation is tied to organizational culture, so that digital transformation happens effectively, with aligned strategies, skilled and prepared employees for changes.
Digital Transformation: beyond technology
Nowadays, digital transformation is no longer a question of whether to adopt it or not, but rather that those who do not adopt it will be left behind. For it to happen effectively, digital transformation starts with a change in mindset within companies. It is necessary to transform ideas, adopt new processes, and be open to new possibilities. The change begins when the company understands it needs to change.
Besides the technologies that will be used, a strategy is needed, understanding the starting point of the change and making the objective clear. Transformation has no end, it is constant, from the moment it starts.
There are some elements that show that digital transformation is not limited only to technology, they are:
- Cultural change
- Integrated and aligned strategy
- Impact on customer experience
- Leadership and governance
- Redefinition of internal processes
Organizational culture as a pillar of Digital Transformation
As we saw earlier, digital transformation goes beyond technology, it is an evolution and directly impacts the company's organizational culture, after all, this transformation happens from the inside out. An example is a study conducted by McKinsey, which shows that 70% of organizations said that digital transformation had a positive effect on their culture, showing that change can create a more collaborative and innovative environment. Source: McKinsey
Collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning are the pillars that make digital transformation results positive. They create an environment that facilitates the adoption and adaptation to changes.
How to implement a Digital Culture in the company
For any implementation, a process is necessary. It is the process that will determine the strategic steps to be followed so that there are no negative impacts, nor that employees become disengaged. It is worth noting that digital culture allows for the improvement of all processes and departments of a company, from administrative, commercial, and productive to accounting, financial, and HR.
Follow these tips on how to implement a digital culture in your company:
1 - Process mapping
Mapping all the company's processes allows identifying which processes are more time-consuming and which can be optimized and even automated.
2 - Online presence
How is your company positioned in the digital market? This is an important assessment, understanding how your company is present on digital channels, how online interactions with customers are being made, and then establishing the necessary improvements.
3 - Employee capability
All employees need to be aligned with the new strategy, so training is very important, so teams can get the best out of the new applied technologies.
4 - Implementation of technologies
Choose technologies that will meet the company's needs, optimizing teams' time, and automating repetitive tasks. The implementation needs to be done efficiently, and preferably, integrated with all sectors of the company.
5 - Customer experience
Any change made in a company can directly impact the customer experience, positively or negatively. Thinking about the customer experience will enhance processes, improve product quality, and service.
This digital transformation process needs to be monitored and adjusted as the company's needs change.
Digital Transformation Trends for 2025
Digital transformation will continue to evolve, shaped by new technologies and market demands. Among the most promising trends are:
Artificial Intelligence: AI-based technologies for real-time customization and advanced automation.
5G and connectivity: Transformation of operations and experiences with higher speed and lower latency.
Immersive experiences: Augmented and virtual reality for training, customer service, and e-commerce.
Cloud Computing: Expansion of flexible and scalable infrastructures to meet growing demands.
Integrated cybersecurity: Robust solutions to protect data in a more complex digital environment.
As we can see, digital transformation goes far beyond the adoption of technology. It requires changes in mindset, culture, and processes; it is a continuous transformation of improvements. By embarking on this journey, companies prepare for an increasingly innovative future.