Organizations today face the dual challenge of digital transformation and sustainability imperatives, yet information systems research has often treated these domains unevenly. This study introduces the concept of “similarity transformation” to describe the mutually reinforcing relationship between digital and sustainability transformations. Grounded in dynamic capability theory, the research examines how organizations can develop the necessary skills to align these two strategic priorities. Using qualitative interviews with leaders experienced in managing both types of change, we construct a capacity framework that identifies key dynamic capabilities for successful similarity transformation. The findings offer practical guidance for organizations and a conceptual foundation for future research on integrated transformation strategies.
References
[1]
Acciarini, C., Borelli, F., Capo, F., Cappa, F., & Sarrocco, C. (2022). Can Digitalization Favour the Emergence of Innovative and Sustainable Business Models? A Qualitative Exploration in the Automotive Sector. Journal of Strategy and Management, 15, 335-352. https://doi.org/10.1108/jsma-02-2021-0033
[2]
AlNuaimi, B. K., Kumar Singh, S., Ren, S., Budhwar, P., & Vorobyev, D. (2022). Mastering Digital Transformation: The Nexus between Leadership, Agility, and Digital Strategy. Journal of Business Research, 145, 636-648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.03.038
[3]
Baiyere, A., Salmela, H., & Tapanainen, T. (2020). Digital Transformation and the New Logics of Business Process Management. European Journal of Information Systems, 29, 238-259. https://doi.org/10.1080/0960085x.2020.1718007
[4]
Balta, W., Chawla, M., Dencik, J., & Lin, S. (2022). Sustainability as a Transformation Catalyst. https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/N3RANMKO
[5]
Barreto, I. (2010). Dynamic Capabilities: A Review of Past Research and an Agenda for the Future. Journal of Management, 36, 256-280. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206309350776
[6]
Bharadwaj, A. S. (2000). A Resource-Based Perspective on Information Technology Capability and Firm Performance: An Empirical Investigation. MIS Quarterly, 24, Article No. 169. https://doi.org/10.2307/3250983
[7]
Bharadwaj, A., El Swaly, O. A., Pavlou, P. A., & Venkatraman, N. (2013). Digital Business Strategy: Toward a Next Generation of Insights. MIS Quarterly, 37, 471-482.
[8]
Bianchi, G., Testa, F., Tessitore, S., & Iraldo, F. (2022). How to Embed Environmental Sustainability: The Role of Dynamic Capabilities and Managerial Approaches in a Life Cycle Management Perspective. Business Strategy and the Environment, 31, 312-325. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2889
[9]
Bocken, N. M. P., Short, S. W., Rana, P., & Evans, S. (2014). A Literature and Practice Review to Develop Sustainable Business Model Archetypes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 65, 42-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.11.039
[10]
Boh, W. F., Constantinides, P., Padmanabhan, B., & Viswanathan, S. (2020). Call for Papers on Digital Resilience. MIS Quarterly, 47, 343-360. https://misq.umn.edu/skin/frontend/default/misq/pdf/CurrentCalls/DigitalResilience.pdf
[11]
Buzzao, G., & Rizzi, F. (2021). On the Conceptualization and Measurement of Dynamic Capabilities for Sustainability: Building Theory through a Systematic Literature Review. Business Strategy and the Environment, 30, 135-175. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2614
[12]
Chanias, S., Myers, M. D., & Hess, T. (2019). Digital Transformation Strategy Making in Pre-Digital Organizations: The Case of a Financial Services Provider. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 28, 17-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2018.11.003
[13]
Corbin, J. M., & Strauss, A. (1990). Grounded Theory Research: Procedures, Canons, and Evaluative Criteria. Qualitative Sociology, 13, 3-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00988593
[14]
Dao, V., Langella, I., & Carbo, J. (2011). From Green to Sustainability: Information Technology and an Integrated Sustainability Framework. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 20, 63-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2011.01.002
[15]
Del Río Castro, G., González Fernández, M. C., & Uruburu Colsa, Á. (2021). Unleashing the Convergence Amid Digitalization and Sustainability towards Pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Holistic Review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 280, Article ID: 122204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122204
[16]
Demartini, M., Evans, S., & Tonelli, F. (2019). Digitalization Technologies for Industrial Sustainability. Procedia Manufacturing, 33, 264-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2019.04.032
[17]
Doherty, N. F., & Terry, M. (2009). The Role of IS Capabilities in Delivering Sustainable Improvements to Competitive Positioning. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 18, 100-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2009.05.002
[18]
Dyllick, T., & Muff, K. (2016). Clarifying the Meaning of Sustainable Business: Introducing a Typology from Business-as-Usual to True Business Sustainability. Organization & Environment, 29, 156-174. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086026615575176
[19]
El Hilali, W., El Manouar, A., & Janati Idrissi, M. A. (2020). Reaching Sustainability during a Digital Transformation: A PLS Approach. International Journal of Innovation Science, 12, 52-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijis-08-2019-0083
[20]
Ellström, D., Holtström, J., Berg, E., & Josefsson, C. (2022). Dynamic Capabilities for Digital Transformation. Journal of Strategy and Management, 15, 272-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/jsma-04-2021-0089
[21]
Felipe, C. M., Leidner, D. E., Roldán, J. L., & Leal‐Rodríguez, A. L. (2019). Impact of IS Capabilities on Firm Performance: The Roles of Organizational Agility and Industry Technology Intensity. Decision Sciences, 51, 575-619. https://doi.org/10.1111/deci.12379
[22]
Feroz, A. K., Zo, H., & Chiravuri, A. (2021). Digital Transformation and Environmental Sustainability: A Review and Research Agenda. Sustainability, 13, Article No. 1530. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031530
[23]
Forcadell, F. J., Aracil, E., & Úbeda, F. (2020). The Impact of Corporate Sustainability and Digitalization on International Banks’ Performance. Global Policy, 11, 18-27. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.12761
[24]
Geissdoerfer, M., Vladimirova, D., & Evans, S. (2018). Sustainable Business Model Innovation: A Review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 198, 401-416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.06.240
[25]
Gimpel, H., Graf-Drasch, V., Kammerer, A., Keller, M., & Zheng, X. (2020). When Does It Pay off to Integrate Sustainability in the Business Model? A Game-Theoretic Analysis. Electronic Markets, 30, 699-716. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-019-00361-y
[26]
Gioia, D. A., Corley, K. G., & Hamilton, A. L. (2013). Seeking Qualitative Rigor in Inductive Research: Notes on the Gioia Methodology. Organizational Research Methods, 16, 15-31. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428112452151
[27]
Gregor, S., & Hevner, A. R. (2013). Positioning and Presenting Design Science Research for Maximum Impact1. MIS Quarterly, 37, 337-355. https://doi.org/10.25300/misq/2013/37.2.01
[28]
Gurbaxani, V., & Dunkle, D. (2019). Gearing up for Successful Digital Transformation. MIS Quarterly Executive, 18, 209-220. https://doi.org/10.17705/2msqe.00017
[29]
Hanelt, A., Bohnsack, R., Marz, D., & Antunes Marante, C. (2021). A Systematic Review of the Literature on Digital Transformation: Insights and Implications for Strategy and Organizational Change. Journal of Management Studies, 58, 1159-1197. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12639
[30]
Hanelt, A., Piccinini, E., Gregory, R. W., Hildebrandt, B., & Lutz, M. (2015). Digital Transformation of Primarily Physical Industries—Exploring the Impact of Digital Trends on Business Models of Automobile Manufacturers. In 12th International Conference on Wirtschaftsinformatik (pp. 1313-1327). Association for Information Systems (AIS). https://aisel.aisnet.org/wi2015/88
[31]
Hernández-Chea, R., Jain, A., Bocken, N. M. P., & Gurtoo, A. (2021). The Business Model in Sustainability Transitions: A Conceptualization. Sustainability, 13, Article No. 5763. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115763
[32]
Huber, R., Oberländer, A. M., Faisst, U., & Röglinger, M. (2022). Disentangling Capabilities for Industry 4.0—An Information Systems Capability Perspective. Information Systems Frontiers, 26, 1667-1695. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-022-10260-x
[33]
Karnebogen, P., Oberlander, A. M., & Rovekamp, P. (2021). A Means to an End of the Other-Research Avenues at the Intersection of Organizational Digital Transformation and Digital Business Ecosystems. In Proceedings of the 42nd International Conference on Information Systems. Association for Information Systems. https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2021/adv_in_theories/adv_in_theories/2
[34]
Keller, R., Ollig, P., & Rövekamp, P. (2022). Pathways to Developing Digital Capabilities within Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Pre-Digital Organizations: A Single Case Study. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 64, 33-46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-021-00739-3
[35]
Kırmızı, M., & Kocaoglu, B. (2022). Digital Transformation Maturity Model Development Framework Based on Design Science: Case Studies in Manufacturing Industry. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 33, 1319-1346. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-11-2021-0476
[36]
Konopik, J., Jahn, C., Schuster, T., Hoßbach, N., & Pflaum, A. (2021). Mastering the Digital Transformation through Organizational Capabilities: A Conceptual Framework. Digital Business, 2, Article ID: 100019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.digbus.2021.100019
[37]
Kranz, J., Kolbe, L. M., Koo, C., & Boudreau, M. (2015). Smart Energy: Where Do We Stand and Where Should We Go? Electronic Markets, 25, 7-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-015-0180-3
[38]
Kraus, S., Durst, S., Ferreira, J. J., Veiga, P., Kailer, N., & Weinmann, A. (2022). Digital Transformation in Business and Management Research: An Overview of the Current Status Quo. International Journal of Information Management, 63, Article ID: 102466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102466
[39]
Kreuzer, T., Lindenthal, A., Oberländer, A. M., & Röglinger, M. (2022). The Effects of Digital Technology on Opportunity Recognition. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 64, 47-67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-021-00733-9
[40]
Lahtinen, S., & Yrjölä, M. (2019). Managing Sustainability Transformations: A Managerial Framing Approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 223, 815-825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.190
[41]
Lehnhoff, S., Staudt, P., & Watson, R. T. (2021). Changing the Climate in Information Systems Research. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 63, 219-222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-021-00695-y
[42]
Loeser, F. (2013). Green IT and Green IS: Definition of Constructs and Overview of Current Practices. In Proceedings AMCIS 2013. Association for Information Systems. https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2013/GreenIS/GeneralPresentations/4
[43]
Maffei, A., Grahn, S., & Nuur, C. (2019). Characterization of the Impact of Digitalization on the Adoption of Sustainable Business Models in Manufacturing. Procedia CIRP, 81, 765-770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2019.03.191
[44]
Markus, M. L., & Rowe, F. (2023). The Digital Transformation Conundrum: Labels, Definitions, Phenomena, and Theories. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 24, 328-335. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00809
[45]
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Source-Book. Sage.
[46]
Miranda, S., Berente, N., Seidel, S., Safadi, H., & Burton-Jones, A. (2022). Editor’s Comments: Computationally Intensive Theory Construction: A Primer for Authors and Reviewers. MIS Quarterly, 46, 3-18. https://doi.org/10.25300/misq/2022/462e1
[47]
Mousavi, S., Bossink, B., & van Vliet, M. (2018). Dynamic Capabilities and Organizational Routines for Managing Innovation Towards Sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production, 203, 224-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.08.215
[48]
O’Reilly, C. A., & Tushman, M. L. (2008). Ambidexterity as a Dynamic Capability: Resolving the Innovator’s Dilemma. Research in Organizational Behavior, 28, 185-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riob.2008.06.002
[49]
O’Reilly, C. A., & Tushman, M. L. (2013). Organizational Ambidexterity. Academy of Management Perspectives, 27, 324-338. https://doi.org/10.1201/b11422-19
[50]
Oghazi, P., & Mostaghel, R. (2018). Circular Business Model Challenges and Lessons Learned—An Industrial Perspective. Sustainability, 10, Article No. 739. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030739
[51]
Ollagnier, J. M., Brueckner, M., Berjoan, S., & Dijkstra, S. (2021). A Twin Strategy That Will Strengthen Competitiveness. https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/a-com-migration/r3-3/pdf/pdf-144/accenture-the-european-double-up.pdf
[52]
Ortega-Gras, J., Bueno-Delgado, M., Cañavate-Cruzado, G., & Garrido-Lova, J. (2021). Twin Transition through the Implementation of Industry 4.0 Technologies: Desk-Research Analysis and Practical Use Cases in Europe. Sustainability, 13, Article No. 13601. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413601
[53]
Padmanabhan, B., Fang, X., Sahoo, N., & Burton-Jones, A. (2022). Machine Learning in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly, 46, 3-19. https://doi.org/10.25300/misq/2022/461e1
[54]
Peters, J., & Simaens, A. (2020). Integrating Sustainability into Corporate Strategy: A Case Study of the Textile and Clothing Industry. Sustainability, 12, Article No. 6125. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156125
[55]
Piccoli, G., & Ives, B. (2005). Review: It-Dependent Strategic Initiatives and Sustained Competitive Advantage: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature. MIS Quarterly, 29, 747-776. https://doi.org/10.2307/25148708
[56]
Plekhanov, D., Franke, H., & Netland, T. H. (2022). Digital Transformation: A Review and Research Agenda. European Management Journal, 41, 821-844. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2022.09.007
[57]
Podsakoff, P. M., MacKenzie, S. B., & Podsakoff, N. P. (2016). Recommendations for Creating Better Concept Definitions in the Organizational, Behavioral, and Social Sciences. Organizational Research Methods, 19, 159-203. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428115624965
[58]
Santos, R. C., & Martinho, J. L. (2019). An Industry 4.0 Maturity Model Proposal. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 31, 1023-1043. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-09-2018-0284
[59]
Sarker, S., Xiao, X., Beaulieu, T., & Lee, A. S. (2018). Learning from First-Generation Qualitative Approaches in the IS Discipline: An Evolutionary View and Some Implications for Authors and Evaluators (Part 1/2). Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 19, 752-774. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00508
[60]
Sarkis, J., Koo, C., & Watson, R. T. (2013). Green Information Systems & Technologies—This Generation and Beyond: Introduction to the Special Issue. Information Systems Frontiers, 15, 695-704. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-013-9454-5
[61]
Seidel, S., Recker, J., Pimmer, C., & vom Brocke, J. (2014). It-Enabled Sustainability Transformation—The Case of SAP. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 35, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.17705/1cais.03501
[62]
Soluk, J., & Kammerlander, N. (2021). Digital Transformation in Family-Owned Mittelstand Firms: A Dynamic Capabilities Perspective. European Journal of Information Systems, 30, 676-711. https://doi.org/10.1080/0960085x.2020.1857666
[63]
Steininger, D. M., Mikalef, P., Pateli, A., & Ortiz-de-Guinea, A. (2022). Dynamic Capabilities in Information Systems Research: A Critical Review, Synthesis of Current Knowledge, and Recommendations for Future Research. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 22, 447-490. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00736
[64]
Suddaby, R. (2010) Editor’s Comments: Construct Clarity in Theories of Management and Organization. Academy of Management Review. 35, 346-357. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.35.3.zok346
[65]
Teece, D. J. (2007). Explicating Dynamic Capabilities: The Nature and Microfoundations of (Sustainable) Enterprise Performance. Strategic Management Journal, 28, 1319-1350. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.640
[66]
Teece, D. J. (2014). The Foundations of Enterprise Performance: Dynamic and Ordinary Capabilities in an (Economic) Theory of Firms. Academy of Management Perspectives, 28, 328-352. https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2013.0116
[67]
Teece, D., Pisano, G., & Shuen, A. (1997). Dynamic Capabilities and Strategic Management. Strategic Management Journal, 18, 509-533.
[68]
Veit, D. J., & Thatcher, J. B. (2023). Digitalization as a Problem or Solution? Charting the Path for Research on Sustainable Information Systems. Journal of Business Economics, 93, 1231-1253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-023-01143-x
[69]
Vial, G. (2019). Understanding Digital Transformation: A Review and a Research Agenda. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 28, 118-144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2019.01.003
[70]
Wade, M., & Hulland, J. (2004). Review: The Resource-Based View and Information Systems Research: Review, Extension, and Suggestions for Future Research. MIS Quarterly, 28, 107-142. https://doi.org/10.2307/25148626
[71]
Watson, R., Boudreau, M. C., & Chen, A. J. (2010). Information Systems and Environmentally Sustainable Development: Energy Informatics and New Directions for the IS Community. MIS Quarterly, 34, Article No. 23. https://doi.org/10.2307/20721413
[72]
Weritz, P., Braojos, J., & Matute, J. (2022). Exploring the Antecedents of Digital Transformation: Dynamic Capabilities and Digital Culture Aspects to Achieve Digital Maturity. In Proceedings AMCIS. Association for Information Systems. https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2020/org_transformation_is/org_transformation_is/22
[73]
Wessel, L., Baiyere, A., Ologeanu-Taddei, R., Cha, J., & Blegind Jensen, T. (2021). Unpacking the Difference between Digital Transformation and IT-Enabled Organizational Transformation. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 22, 102-129. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00655
[74]
Winter, S. G. (2003). Understanding Dynamic Capabilities. Strategic Management Journal, 24, 991-995. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.318
[75]
Yazici, H. J. (2020). An Exploratory Analysis of the Project Management and Corporate Sustainability Capabilities for Organizational Success. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 13, 793-817. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmpb-08-2019-0207
[76]
Zeiss, R., Ixmeier, A., Recker, J., & Kranz, J. (2021). Mobilising Information Systems Scholarship for a Circular Economy: Review, Synthesis, and Directions for Future Research. Information Systems Journal, 31, 148-183. https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12305
[77]
Zimmer, M. P., & Järveläinen, J. (2022). Digital-Sustainable Co-Transformation: Introducing the Triple Bottom Line of Sustainability to Digital Transformation Research. In D. Kreps et al. (Eds.), IFIP International Conference on Human Choice and Computers (pp. 100-111). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15688-5_10
