Middle Ground, Major Impact: The Enabling Role of Middle Managers in Digital Transformation

Abstract: In the digital age, incumbent firms must evolve to stay competitive and face the disruption brought by technological change. Companies wishing to undertake this shift not only need to acquire new digital technologies, but significantly reshape their processes and their human resources. In this context, this study explores the pivotal, yet understudied role of middle managers in driving competitive advantage through digital transformation, focusing on the key skills and mindsets required. Employing semi-structured interviews with middle managers and digital experts at a Swedish manufacturing company undergoing digital transformation, the research examines the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by these organisations. Findings emphasise middle managers as vital enablers, bridging strategic and implementation levels within organisations, and serving as connectors effectively bridging the gap between vision and implementation by playing a pivotal role in the successful adoption and integration of digital technologies. Moreover, this study reveals that leadership, communication, and openness to learning emerge as vital soft skills for middle managers, proving more important than technical competencies in successful digital transformation. This emphasis on soft skills underscores the importance of fostering a culture that values adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This research contributes to the dynamic capabilities and digital transformation literature by shedding light on the crucial role middle managers play in the digital era. Providing valuable insights for organisations seeking to enhance middle management's skill development and promote successful digital transformations, the results offer practical implications for organisational leaders looking to better support and develop this crucial group of change agents.