Geschlecht und digitale Transformation in Organisationen: Eine Reflexion partizipativer Ansätze anhand von zwei Fallstudien

The introduction of digital technologies in organizations alters work practices and holds the potential to transform gender-specific power structures. However, in practice, male-dominated technology development often reproduces rather than reduces gender-specific inequalities. To realize the transformative potential, it is essential to actively shape digital change processes with a comprehensive inclusion of diverse employee groups. Here, participatory methods can facilitate the inclusion of underrepresented groups. This article presents two case studies where participatory approaches were tested. In Organization A, digitalizing a work process significantly increased productivity. However, a workshop revealed challenges such as power shifts favouring male-dominated work areas and the loss of informal knowledge held by female employees. In Organization B, a digital collaboration platform was introduced but little used. A workshop with administrative staff highlighted the potential and desire for involvement of this group from the outset of new technological applications. Based on these case studies, we reflect on gender-related work dynamics, possible gender-specific participatory approaches, and the research practices we applied. Building on this, we formulate practical recommendations for using participative methods in digital transformation processes, considering gender-specific aspects.