Digitale Transformation im Handwerk – Motivatoren, Wünsche und Ängste von Mitarbeiter*innen im Change Prozess

Germany’s skilled craft industry significantly lags behind other economic sectors in adopting new technologies. However, it is also apparent that digital transformation has become significant for craft businesses, especially during and after the Corona pandemic. Since structured methodologies, focused models and digital knowledge have proven effective for organizational transformation the question arises as to whether the skilled craft sector is assimilating lessons from other fields by adopting optimal practices and change models.

Research indicates that recognizing employees’ motivations, aspirations, and apprehensions is pivotal in ensuring the success of transformation processes. In this context, this study delves into whether craft enterprises are effectively engaging their workforce and incorporating employee needs and competencies within digital transformation efforts, alongside established change models. Additionally, the study scrutinizes whether craftsmen’s needs diverge from those in industries like consulting, owing to the physical nature of skilled craftmenship.

For these purposes, semi-structured interviews were conducted involving six craftspeople from diverse trades. Results reveal that within craft businesses undergoing transformation, employee needs, particularly individual preferences, are acknowledged. However, conventional change models are not harnessed effectively. Consequently, the motivations, desires, and anxieties of employees are not consistently integrated into the digital transformation process.

This study’s results therefore underscore the demand for in-depth exploration into craft-specific psychological motivations, aspirations, and fears, as well as the customization of change models in the digital transformation landscape. For practical implementation, this study further emphasizes the value of embracing extensive employment of structured change practices and models.