Managing Digital Transformation in Contemporary Contexts: Are Classical Change Management Frameworks Still Relevant?

The digital transformation (DT) is a contemporary phenomenon
triggered by the widespread diffusion of digital technologies
within modern organizations. This research examines DT
management and processes and whether classical change
management frameworks are still relevant in implementing DT
initiatives. It proposes focusing on a more micro-level analysis by studying the case of legal departments (LDs) considered
historically as being far from the DT and rather reluctant to
technology. Using a comparative case study, the findings
highlight two DT processes within LDs. Although the latter face
the same challenges, their DT processes were found to be
different and based on a mix of different change models. Building on these findings, this research underscores the significance of precursor change models in addressing contemporary challenges. However, it qualifies this relevance by advocating for an innovative combination of multiple change models simultaneously. This advances the ongoing debate on the relevance of classical change management frameworks and the legacy of organizational development in contemporary contexts.