Investigating the Effect of Digitization on Workflow and Organizational Performance in Selected Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Digitization is the representation of a physical item with the goal to digitize, preserve and automate processes or workflows. It plays vital role in an organization and has effect on workflow and organizational performances to give both opportunities and solutions for the quality, efficiency, innovation, positioning and visibility of higher education institutions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of digitization on workflow and organizational performance in selected Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions. The study areas selected for research were Jimma, Mettu, and Wollega Universities. Cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data present in the study were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Instruments such as questionnaires, interview and observation were used in this study. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics methods, with SPSS software version 25. The study found that digitization has statistically significant in terms of time, cost, repetition and errors reduction, efficiency, delivery services in administrative offices of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions. Moreover, the study found that there are challenges of implementing new digital technologies in administration offices such as, lack of skilled personnel, lack of awareness, lack of interaction between managers and employees, inadequate training, lack of attention among institutions, system problems, lack of a clear guidelines, and polices. With regard to organizational performance, all three universities are effective. However, according to their experience of using digitization JU and Wollega Universities were more effective than MeU. In particular HR, registrar and finance offices of selected universities were effective by using digitization in their workflow. But, due to lack of digital technologies in transport offices there was limited implementation of digitization in their workflow. Therefore, Universities should increase awareness, provide training and human capacity. In addition, as well as policy makers and ICT professionals should establish clear guideline for the use of digitization and new digital technologies in HEIs, for more effective workflow and organizational performance. Managers should facilitate among with their employees to implement and use new digital technologies in their offices