Digital Transformation of Public Administrations: How Project Organization Structure Affects the ICT Implementation Process in Municipalities

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the role of project organization structure in the implementation process of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in public administrations. By conducting a comparative case study of two German municipalities, this study reveals how institutional logics conflict in the ICT implementation process. Further, this study identifies cross-functional collaboration and adaptability as means through which project organization structure affects the ICT implementation process. Based on the level of cross-functional collaboration and adaptability, project organization structure enables or disables the ability of Project Managers to resolve conflicts of institutional logics. The study's implications enable practitioners in public administrations to identify ways to arrange project organization structure for effective ICT implementation.