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

Khan, Omar (2025) Overcoming Barriers to Digital Transformation in Pakistan’s Public Sector: A Change Management Perspective. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations
Depositing User:	Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2025 12:41
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2025 12:41
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/4040

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