DB FPX 8620 Assessment 2 Harvard Business Review Article Proposal

Student Name

Capella University

DB-FPX 8620 High-Performance Leadership

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

This assessment is structured in two segments. The first segment will assess the positive and negative aspects of leaders undergoing digital transformation, incorporating comparisons from both scholarly and practical perspectives.

The second segment will present a proposal for a Harvard Business Review article on leading digital transformation in retail. This proposal will cover the central message, the necessity of the proposed solution, and its application to current retail business operations. Additionally, an updated literature review matrix will be submitted as a separate attachment.

Leading Digital Transformation in Retail

Digital transformation varies across businesses and industries, involving the integration of digital technologies into a company’s strategy and operations. Examples include shifting from in-person to remote workspaces, implementing automated customer service, managing employee performance, and using artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency.

Positive Aspects of Leaders and Digital Transformation

Belka (2021) indicates that digital transformation can enhance employee experiences and work culture. Turner (2019) argues that engaged employees achieve above-average productivity and contribute to team effectiveness. A positive work culture and engaged employees improve business performance by increasing productivity and reducing staff turnover, positively impacting the bottom line. Leaders who embrace digital transformation can support a positive workspace, leading to enhanced business performance.

Negative Aspects of Leaders and Digital Transformation

Sannapureddy (2018) notes that digital transformation necessitates reworking processes, products, and strategies by leveraging current technologies. A negative aspect leaders may face is resistance to change, which can harm the business. Research by Bateh et al. (2013) suggests that leaders must be trained to handle resistance and educated on overcoming it. Drawbacks of employee resistance to change include decreased productivity, a negative impact on workforce attitude, and damaged business relationships. Ingram (2017) suggests that while changes are generally intended to benefit the company, their results can be unpredictable.

How Leaders Are Adapting to Change

Leaders need training to adapt to change. Stichler (2011) suggests that managing change is one of a leader’s most essential and challenging roles. When change occurs, leaders must consider both those enforcing the change and those impacted by it. Leaders can facilitate workplace change by being flexible in shifting priorities and goals and adopting a strategic approach.

Leadership and Business Model Innovation

Denning (2021) suggests that new leadership is required to navigate the digital age. For example, most major retailers and fast-food operations have moved from in-person ordering to mobile applications and contactless delivery options. The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to rethink traditional models and incorporate digital strategies to stay competitive. Leaders are adapting by empowering team members to actively participate and take responsibility for their development. Dubey (2019) suggests that in the digital age, leaders need to grant autonomy and freedom to make decisions and encourage team members to contribute ideas and insights to achieve shared organizational goals.

Leadership Strategies in the Digital Age and Their Effectiveness

Research by Li et al. (2016) discusses the critical challenges faced by small and medium-sized companies in the digital age. The digital revolution has led leaders to align business strategy with digital technology for longevity and growth. Effective implementation of digital transformation relies on a strong partnership between leadership and the information systems department. Hirt and Willmott (2014) suggest that businesses must adapt to a plug-and-play model to remain competitive. This model allows businesses to integrate new and existing models into their value chains, as seen in the travel industry’s successful adaptation. As more niche providers access new digital platforms, competition intensifies.

Harvard Business Review Proposal

Central Message

The proposed article, “Leading Digital Transformation in Retail,” addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business operations. The traditional business model was severely impacted, necessitating the immediate implementation of a digital strategy for survival. The article will explore how retailers can merge digital strategies with traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The gap in practice lies in some retailers relying solely on traditional models, which could significantly impact revenue without integrating digital innovation.

Why is Digital Transformation Strategy Important?

This article is essential because businesses are contemplating their next steps as the pandemic wanes. Business owners are questioning whether to revert to traditional models or continue with digital innovations that offer convenience. The article will explore these considerations, emphasizing the need for a digital strategy to remain competitive. Managers need to understand their roles in the new digital landscape and how it impacts daily operations. Training in digital strategy and management is crucial for leaders accustomed to traditional business models.

Management Considerations

If a new digital strategy is implemented, managers must review financial statements to determine its impact. Positive results, such as sustained or increased revenues, may lead to a permanent digital strategy. Negative results will require reevaluation as face-to-face transactions resume. This topic is relevant to current business decisions.

Source of Authority

Stackpole (2021) discusses how information technology groups rapidly launched initiatives for remote work and digital operations. Overby (2021) notes that business models dependent on in-person interactions successfully pivoted to digital delivery. Papagiannidis et al. (2020) suggest that businesses survived the pandemic’s impact by swiftly adopting digital transformation initiatives. Hai et al. (2021) find that digital transformation is changing business models, processes, services, and relationships. Papagiannidis (2020) highlights how augmented reality was integrated into retail web spaces, allowing customers to visualize purchases.

Experience

My personal and professional experience with digital transformation during the pandemic includes transitioning from office work to remote work, boosting productivity. I have embraced online ordering for groceries and other necessities, and I plan to continue this post-pandemic for its convenience.

References

Bateh, J., Castaneda, M. E., & Farah, J. E. (2013). Employee resistance to organizational change. International Journal of Management & Information Systems (IJMIS), 17(2), 113. https://doi.org/10.19030/ijmis.v17i2.7715

Belka, A. (2021, October 30). 5 digital transformation examples. What is it & benefits. Digital Product Design and Development Company Boldare. https://www.boldare.com/blog/5-examples-of-digital-transformation/

Denning, S. (2021, March 15). How new leadership succeeds in the digital age. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2021/03/14/how-new-leadership-succeeds-in-the-digital-age/?sh=40d35a0050a1

Dubey, A. (2020, February 8). This is what great leadership looks like in the digital age. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/leadership-digital-age-leader/

Hai, T. N., Van, Q. N., & Thi Tuyet, M. N. (2021). Digital transformation: Opportunities and challenges for leaders in the emerging countries in response to Covid-19 pandemic. Emerging Science Journal, 5, 21–36. https://doi.org/10.28991/esj-2021-sper-03

Hirt, M., & Willmott, P. (2019, July 17). Strategic principles for competing in the digital age. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/strategic-principles-for-competing-in-the-digital-age

Ingram, D. (2017, November 21). What are the pros and cons of change in a business? Small Business – Chron.Com. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/pros-cons-change-business-433.html