Psychological change strategies for neutralizing cognitive inertia: A humbling senior management journey into the technological capability of junior employees

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This research paper explores how digital reverse mentoring helped to overcome cognitive inertia in traditional industry top management teams (TMT) that lacked technology skills. The marked transformation of the Indian firm's digital capability arrived through challenging the TMT's ingrained hierarchy-based norms. Effective knowledge transfer was achieved once these sticky power barriers to participation were neutralized. Subsequently, numerous digital initiatives worth millions of dollars in value were designed and implemented. It was personal knowledge of technology – rather than explicit codified knowledge – that powered these digital solutions.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2021), "Psychological change strategies for neutralizing cognitive inertia: A humbling senior management journey into the technological capability of junior employees", Strategic Direction, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 12-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-12-2020-0216