Exploring the Challenges in Developing and Managing Digital Agility Among Sri Lankan Family Business Owners During the Economic Crisis Situation

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the ongoing post-pandemic challenges in developing and managing digital agility among Sri Lankan family business owners. This study used a mono-method qualitative approach to identify the management strategies using the self-determination theory and social exchange theory to cope with digital agility among Sri Lankan family business owners. Authors interviewed 25 family business owners in Sri Lanka and assessed the findings using the NVivo software. A total of five thematic findings have been identified as challenges in developing and managing digital agility among Sri Lankan Family Business owners. According to this study, digital capability plays a significant role in supporting top management to apply ambidextrous leadership during turbulent times. Findings contributes to the family business owners in Sri Lanka to identify proper strategies in overcoming the challenges associated with developing and managing digital agility of family business firms.

Cracking the Code

“…Employing protection-motivation theory and the theory of planned behavior, Marshall et al (2022) found that self-efficacy had a significant direct impact on security-behavior intention and an indirect impact on security behavior among university students. Response cost is the estimated physical and psychological cost (e.g., in time, money, and effort) of performing a protective behavior (Ezati Rad et al, 2021;Jayawardena et al, 2023;Taheri-Kharameh et al, 2020), overcoming a complex problem, or controlling a powerful habit (Haag et al, 2021). Both self-efficacy and response cost have a great impact on behavioral intention (Farooq et al, 2019;Hsu & Lee, 2023;Lee & Seomun, 2021;Maddux & Rogers, 1983;Marikyan & Papagiannidis, 2023;Marshall et al, 2022).…”

Management Innovation, Digital Orientation, and External Knowledge Search

“…External knowledge search is also guided by routines, but past routines are based on historical experience, not rational decision-making. Lagging routines cause big data firms to have difficulty guaranteeing the efficiency and efficacy of external knowledge search behavior in the knowledge economy and digital era (Jayawardena et al, 2023;Yang et al, 2023).…”

Exploring Digital Agility and Digital Transformation Leadership

“…Scholars have recognized the relevance of digital agility in an era where technology is altering various aspects of life, including work, thinking, learning, collaboration, and communication, all aimed at remaining competitive and relevant in the surrounding context (Salmela et al, 2022;Troise et al, 2022). Overall, possessing digital agility is essential in today's fast-paced digital world, offering an advantage in navigating the ever-shifting digital landscape (Troise et al, 2022;Jayawardena et al, 2023). However, there are three main gaps in the literature:…”