Universität zu Köln

Schneider, Paul and Sting, Fabian J. (2020). EMPLOYEES' PERSPECTIVES ON DIGITALIZATION-INDUCED CHANGE: EXPLORING FRAMES OF INDUSTRY 4.0. Acad. Manag. Discov., 6 (3). S. 406 - 436. BRIARCLIFF MANOR: ACAD MANAGEMENT. ISSN 2168-1007

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Abstract

How do employees perceive strategic technology initiatives? Understanding this is crucial for attaining employees' acceptance, and so for successful initiative implementation. Drawing on timely cases of digitalization-induced change initiatives triggered by Industry 4.0, the digital networking of the manufacturing industry, we investigate manufacturing employees' thoughts and feelings with regard to this proclaimed fourth industrial revolution. We employ the Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique (ZMET), a semi-structured, in-depth interview format, to unearth individuals' deep-seated beliefs and values, and thereby identify five distinct frames (utilitarian, functional, anthropocentric, traditional, and playful) which drive employees' attitudes toward Industry 4.0. Based on this inductive approach and our further analysis of frame adoption patterns, we make a first step toward a cognitive theory on the perception of digitalizationinduced change that foregrounds employees' perspectives and helps us understand why and when certain employees accept digitalization-induced change, whereas others do not. Our findings inform managerial practice on (i) how to promote farreaching digitalization initiatives across employees and (ii) how to address the individual employee via frame-contingent communication to increase the likelihood of successful implementation. Furthermore, our study adds to theory on cognitive frames, ambivalent attitudes toward change, and framing effectiveness. Finally, our studymakes a methodological contribution by adapting ZMET, a market research technique (geared toward customers), to the manufacturing shop floor (geared toward employees).

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Schneider, Paul UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Sting, Fabian J. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-320109
DOI:	10.5465/amd.2019.0012
Journal or Publication Title:	Acad. Manag. Discov.
Volume:	6
Number:	3
Page Range:	S. 406 - 436
Date:	2020
Publisher:	ACAD MANAGEMENT
Place of Publication:	BRIARCLIFF MANOR
ISSN:	2168-1007
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language ORGANIZATIONAL-CHANGE; TECHNOLOGICAL FRAMES; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH; OPERATIONS STRATEGY; FIRM RESPONSE; AMBIVALENCE; RESISTANCE; ATTITUDES; CAPABILITIES; INFORMATION Multiple languages Management Multiple languages
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/32010