Managing human capital: The study of a self‐managed group venturing into the digital economy

• Published in: Management decision 2004-02, Vol.42 (2), p.205-228
• Main Authors: Lewis, Jeff, Wright, Philip C, Geroy, Gary D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Business models; Competitive advantage; Corporate culture; Digital economy; Digital technology; Economic impact; Electronic commerce; High tech industries; Human capital; Innovations; Leadership; Management development; Management science; Managers; Qualitative research; Studies; Teams; Technological change
• ISSN: 0025-1747; 1758-6070
• DOI: 10.1108/00251740410513836

One of the keys to success in the digital economy is the appropriate management of human capital. Because of sweeping technological changes, old behaviors of human capital management may not be suitable in the digital domain. Traditional businesses will need to evolve and radically transition themselves into an electronic business mode. This study implements a rigorous qualitative case study methodology to examine an electronic business corporate entrepreneurship team within a large, traditional business. Faced with the need to work at “Web speed”, this group had to adapt quickly, both to complete its task on time and to master a steep learning curve. This process is examined systematically, in order to examine the major research question: “What are the changes necessary to support the transition of a new venture creation team as it moves from the traditional domain into the digital economy domain?” Through in‐depth interviews, this study examines the transition process, drawing conclusions that may have far‐reaching ramifications for both practice and theory in human capital management.