The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on digital transformation process and strategic management in SMEs in the Czech Republic

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we provide insight to the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on the digital transformation process and strategic management in SMEs in the Czech Republic. Digital transformation is perceived as a driver of growth and competitiveness, defined by new technologies and approaches, and strongly connected with strategic management and strategic approach. Drawing on SME employees experience with recent pandemic situation, we analysed and addressed the factors that influence digital transformation process and strategic management to reveal and describe, what drives or slows the process. Our findings have been founded on several case studies carried out in SME organizations via series of interviews that involved employees of various level and specialization. Results reveal that influence of pandemic on digital transformation process and strategic management may vary according to individual experience, which opens the possibility for contextualization and further research using quantitative methods. The results indicate that the influence of covid19 pandemic on strategic management and digital transformation process generated both positive and negative experience. It was perceived as an accelerator of change, speeding up rigid or long-postponed processes and implementations, but also carrying negative effects as employee attrition, loss of morale and motivation and resignation. This research contributes to prior literature on digital transformation and strategic management by investigating the influence of unprecedent events of multinational impact on SME digital transformation process.