Digital Transformation From Employees’ Perspective: The Case of Qatar

The State of Qatar is undergoing a transformation in this current digital era, one that aligns with the national vision of the country, which aims to transform it into a technology-driven nation. This strategy of Digital Transformation (DT) is a developmental process which impacts workplaces and improves business processes. A growing body of literature identifies DT as a multidisciplinary field that impacts different perspectives associated with the phenomenon, including human resources; however, research had yet to be conducted in the Qatari context. This research aims to define DT in Qatar and identify factors influencing employees perceptions towards DT at their workplaces in Qatar. This case study utilized an online qualitative questionnaire to collect responses from employees regarding their DT perspectives. The collected data then utilized a content analysis approach to identify perceptions of employees toward DT and the related factors that might hinder or maintain a successful DT journey. The key findings of this research were consistent with the literature: technology, organization, and people were identified as the building blocks of DT. This research highlights the critical role of strategic management in fostering employees’ willingness to adapt to technological developments and thus play an active role in the DT process, which is key to the success of Qatar National Vision 2030. The study contributes to the existing literature about DT as it addresses an overlooked perspective, namely that of employees in Qatar. This information can guide the Qatari efforts to develop appropriate interventions to enhance the DT journey in the nation’s digital ecosystem.