Digitalization of Present Work Process; Investigating the Role of Leadership, Change Management and Top Management Support in the Success of Enterprise Resource Planning Projects

Abstract

Background: Organizations across the world implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects to transform their daily routine work process digitally. However, research on factors that lead to successful ERP projects is limited, especially empirical research studies. Therefore, the current study focused on investigating the influence of transformational leadership (TFL) on ERP project success. This research examined the mediating role of change management in the relationship between TFL and the success of projects of ERP. Additionally, it investigated the moderating role of top management support (TMS) over the relationship between TFL and the success of ERP projects. Method: The study gathered data from 408 IT professionals involved in different ERP projects in the various sectors of Pakistan using a purposive sampling technique. The SPSS and SmartPLS software were used for data analysis. Results: The findings of the study disclosed that TFL is positively related to ERP project success and change management and that change management is subsequently related to ERP project success. The findings also revealed the mediating role of change management over the relationship between TFL and the successful completion of ERP projects, while top management support moderates the nexus of TFL and the success of ERP projects. Conclusions: This research adds to the literature by highlighting the importance of TFL in ERP project success. In addition, it highlights the role of change management and TMS in achieving successful outcomes. Our findings provide valuable insights for practitioners and researchers to improve successful project management in the IT industry.