Overcoming Barriers to Digital Transformation in Pakistan’s Public Sector: A Change Management Perspective.

This study identifies the key barriers to digital transformation within Pakistan’s public sector and examines how these can be effectively managed through structured change management frameworks, insights from government officials, and lessons from successful case studies. The research is driven by the recognised need for public organisations to adapt to rapid technological, economic, and social changes while overcoming cultural resistance, systemic inefficiencies, and institutional inertia. The study draws on detailed literature review of barriers to digital transformation, change management in the public sector, and both national and international case studies from comparable contexts. These findings were complemented by analyses of semi-structured interviews with public sector officials, providing first-hand perspectives on challenges, experiences, and successes. It addresses a critical gap by highlighting the role of structured change management, a concept that is largely unknown within the public sector in Pakistan. The findings also show how the challenges and strategies identified resonate closely with principles of change management frameworks. The research recognises the complex nature of digital change within the public sector, extending beyond a purely technological lens to encompass deeply ingrained cultural, leadership, systemic, and structural barriers, including issues of policy, accountability, and continuity, alongside critical constraints such as IT infrastructure and financial capacity. To address these, the study proposes a combination of strategies from established change management frameworks to address human and organisational dynamics, while leveraging institutional strategies and context-specific approaches from case studies to overcome external challenges. The dissertation concludes by recommending a tailored approach that emphasises a human-centric approach, the critical role of leadership, continuous stakeholder engagement, capacity building, coherent policy frameworks, pilot projects, and well designed integrated systems. Collectively, these strategies are essential for navigating barriers to digital transformation and ensuring transparency, efficiency, and citizen trust in public services.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mba

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Khan, Omar

• HD28 Rheoli. Rheoli Diwydiannol

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:4040