Leaders´ sensemaking in the face of pandemic-driven digital transformation

Abstract

Drawing on the sensemaking perspective, this study explores how business leaders with responsibility for digital related programmes, have made sense of digital transformation before and during the Covid-19, and examines the impact of this on on the wider organisational structure including their own position in the organisation. The study is qualitative in nature and is based on a series of case studies with organisations across different sectors. Analysis so far shows that as a result of the pandemic there has been a wider acceptance of the possibilities provided by digital technologies and the opportunities for digital transformation. Further, findings show that digital leaders’ commitment, resources and expectations have contributed to accelerating the process, though this has differed across different organisations. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are explored.