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by Michael R. Wade, Didier Bonnet Published 16 September 2021 in Brain circuits • 3 min read
Choosing a digital governance model is a critical part of a digital transformation strategy. Research has indicated that governance is a key driver of financial performance for businesses that have undergone successful digital transformations. There is no single recipe for a governance model. Each company needs to balance the scope of its transformation ambitions with the dominant company culture.
Will you choose an integrated or a separate model?
This is the traditional organizational dilemma. Tight integration drives more harmonization and bargaining power, but can bog down processes. Complete separation means you are closer to the frontline, but it can also create disconnected initiatives and duplications. Neither extreme leads to successful outcomes. Hybrid models work best.
Will you use a centralized versus decentralized structure?
Our research shows that 84% of organizations have established a dedicated group to oversee their digital transformation efforts. If your company is starting a transformation for the first time with a low level of digital maturity, we recommend some form of central team to kickstart the program’s momentum. If you’ve already gone through many digital transformations, you may want to loosen the reins and give more decision-making powers to a decentralized governance structure closer to the frontline.
Should you appoint a digital transformation leader?
Some companies choose to drive transformation through existing leadership teams, which can be an easier route but often results in only incremental advances. A dedicated leader can provide accountability and clear direction, but requires alignment between operating units, clear decision rights, and resources to support the effort.
Should you create a new business unit?
A dedicated digital unit creates momentum, focus, and offers economies of scale. But, if it’s too remote from the day-to-day operations it risks isolation, leading to “ivory tower” syndrome.
Should you build or buy digital operations?
Building a greenfield or buying new digital operations allows for separate financing, staffing and technology stack, or even branding. It can significantly accelerate your time to market, but it doesn’t transform the traditional business and risks cannibalizing the existing offerings.
While there is no right model, these questions will help put you on the path to choosing the right governance form for your company. Don’t leave it to chance. It won’t happen naturally.
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Professor of Innovation and Strategy at IMD
Michael R Wade holds the Cisco Chair in Digital Business Transformation and is Director of IMD’s Global Center for Digital Business Transformation. He directs a number of open programs such as Leading Digital Business Transformation, Digital Transformation for Boards, Leading Digital Execution, and the Digital Transformation Sprint. He has written ten books, hundreds of articles, and hosts a popular management podcast. In 2021, he was inducted into the Swiss Digital Shapers Hall of Fame.
Professor of Strategy and Digital Transformation
Didier Bonnet is Professor of Strategy and Digital Transformation at IMD and program co-director for Digital Transformation in Practice (DTIP) and Leading Customer Centric Strategies (LCCS). He also teaches strategy and digital transformation in several open programs such as Leading Digital Business Transformation (LDBT), Digital Execution (DE) and Digital Transformation for Boards (DTB). He has more than 30 years’ experience in strategy development and business transformation for a range of global clients.
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