Clarifying Core Dimensions in Digital Maturity Models: An Integrative Approach

TL;DR

This paper systematically analyzes 76 Digital Maturity Models to clarify and unify the definitions of key dimensions, enhancing understanding and consistency in digital transformation efforts.

Contribution

It offers integrative, clear definitions for the ten most common DMM dimensions based on a comprehensive systematic mapping of existing models.

Findings

Reconciled varying interpretations of key dimensions.

Provided integrative definitions for 10 core dimensions.

Analyzed a broad set of recent DMMs for comprehensive insights.

Abstract

Digital Transformation (DT) initiatives frequently face high failure rates, and while Digital Maturity Models (DMMs) offer potential solutions, they have notable shortcomings. Specifically, there is significant disparity in the dimensions considered relevant, a lack of clarity in their definitions, and uncertainty regarding their components. This study aims to provide a clearer understanding of DMMs by proposing integrative definitions of the most frequently used dimensions. Using a Systematic Mapping approach, including automatic search and snowballing techniques, we analyzed 76 DMMs to answer two Research Questions: (RQ1) What are the most frequent dimensions in DMMs? and (RQ2) How are these dimensions described, including their components? We reconcile varying interpretations of the ten most frequent dimensions -- Organization, Strategy, Technology, Culture, Process, Operations, People, Management, Customer, and Data -- and propose integrative definitions for each. Compared to previous analyses, this study provides a broader and more recent perspective on Digital Maturity Models.