Fostering digital sustainable innovations at social enterprises in Malaysia: Exploring readiness through technology leadership and work culture
List of Authors
  • Menaka Sivapalan

Keyword
  • Technology Leadership, Work Culture, Digital Readiness, Social Enterprise, Sustainable Innovation

Abstract
  • Social Enterprises in Malaysia are recognized for their continuous efforts to solve social problems in pursuit of the United Nations’ millennial goals. With innovation as the enabler, this study aims to delve into the practicalities of a digital innovative growth in self-sustainable approaches among these enterprises by assessing their digital readiness to adapt and explore technologies and tools from the angles of technology leadership support and workplace culture. A pilot study is conducted using a qualitative research approach, where two respondents from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were interviewed using semi-structured questions to gather opinions in answering the research questions (1) the extent to which technology leadership and work culture fosters readiness in digital sustainable innovations (2) perceptions in driving forward self-sustainable innovations cultivated through work norms with the presence of digital technologies. Thematic data analysis reveals positive associations are found to link guidance in digital tool usage that is varied in application and adapted within training, marketing, production and delivery in the business that appear to enhance work practice in a self-autonomous approach. This can further ascertain organizational readiness to embrace sustainable innovations when observed through leadership influence. From the lens of work culture, themes derived are found to be community-driven in encouraging digital engagements and digital tool learning necessitating the need to adopt a digital innovation strategy. These preliminary findings proposed a digital inclusive sustainable innovation thematic framework. The pilot study offers SME practitioners insights into types of digital interventions that promotes self-sustainable frugal innovations with the support of technology advocacy and community-based eco-systems. Future studies may consider the involvement of internal and external customer centric strategies to determine a holistic view in developing digital sustainable innovations for these SMEs.

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