Unveiling the Subjective Experiences of IT Managers in Facing Technological Changes in the Digital Era
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Abstract
Digital transformation involves not only technological advancements but also significant organizational changes that impact leadership roles, communication patterns, and workplace culture. Information Technology (IT) managers are at the forefront of implementing these changes, facing challenges such as resistance to change, performance pressure, and emotional stress. However, their subjective experiences in managing these complexities remain underexplored. This study investigates the lived experiences of IT managers in navigating technological change in organizations. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews and observations were conducted with 10 IT managers from various industries. The findings reveal four key themes: resistance to change, performance pressure, adaptive leadership strategies, and emotional impact. IT managers utilized situational leadership and persuasive communication to overcome resistance while managing emotional stress through strategic coping mechanisms. These insights provide a nuanced understanding of the human aspects of technological change, highlighting the need for supportive leadership and effective change management practices. This study offers practical implications for designing more empathetic and adaptive digital transformation strategies in organizations.
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