The Impact of Rapid Digital Transformation on Employee Empowerment: Evidence from The UAE Banking Sector

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the necessity for financial institutions to embrace digital technologies to survive and remain competitive. This study examines the role and impact of empowering employees during this digital transformation, which is identified as a critical factor for successful transformation. Empirical data was gathered through a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews with 18 employees and managers from the banking industry. Thematic analysis coding was employed to identify key factors related to employee engagement in digital transformation within the UAE banking industry. The findings emphasize that actions about job clarity, communication, motivation, quality of relationships, and autonomy among employees have significant implications for performance and productivity during periods of transformative change within organizations. The conclusions assert that employee engagement is pivotal in facilitating the process of digital transformation, enabling large, traditionally service-oriented organizations to achieve this goal.