Bridging the gap: The quest for digital equity
Our PhD student Xiang (Michael) Yao wants to empower developing countries with emerging tech.
December 6 2023
Monash Business School PhD student Xiang (Michael) Yao is fascinated by the boundless potential of the future.
“Currently, we are at this incredible juncture where digital transformation is profoundly reshaping our world and how we experience it,” the Department of Management student said.
The global pandemic had accelerated the transition, he said, widening the disparity between emerging and developed countries.
Dangers of being left behind
“Multinational enterprises (MNEs) in economies where this digital transformation is still in its early stages face many hurdles, such as transferring digital technologies to overseas subsidiaries and managing human resources,” Mr Yao said.
“As a result, they often lag behind their counterparts in developed countries.”
To adapt to this rapidly changing environment, Mr Yao said it was crucial to understand how digitalisation impacts businesses and societies.
“It is not just about technology; it is about improving lives, enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation, and developing the economy,” he said.
In new research with the Department of Management, Mr Yao is helping MNEs bridge the digital divide with strategies that enable them to leverage digitalisation to gain a competitive edge in global markets.
In-depth insights from developing countries
The broad-ranging work uses case studies to gain real-world insights across six developing countries – China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil and Egypt – complemented by almost 50 in-depth interviews.
His research reveals NMEs in developing countries are leveraging digitalisation to gain a competitive global edge in a variety of ways.
Many are developing platforms to collaborate with suppliers, research institutes, universities and customers on new product research.
Some use digital portals to partner with government bodies on project approvals, regulatory compliance, and sustainable operation initiatives.
Most employ AI-enabled tools to manage employee performance, track career development and identify potential leaders.
“My research will advance our knowledge about harnessing the potential of digital transformation for meaningful progress and sustainable growth in our interconnected world,” Mr Yao said.
“Importantly, it aligns with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as achieving decent work and economic growth, which will make the impact of the research even more significant.”
"Mr Yao’s research holds relevance for every individual within the modern workplace"
Looking ahead, Mr Yao said he hoped to collaborate further with the companies whose case studies he featured in his research, to help them navigate the challenges and maximise the advantages of digitalisation.
His supervisor, Dr Dan Wang, said Mr Yao’s work shed light on the strategic shifts occurring within the global business landscape.
Effects of digital transformation on work, job satisfaction and wellbeing
The research would empower multinational enterprises to overcome the challenges posed by digitalisation and seize the opportunities it offers – ultimately fostering global economic sustainability.
“Mr Yao’s research holds relevance for every individual within the modern workplace,” Dr Wang said.
“It will reveal the impacts of the ongoing digital transformation on employees’ work, job satisfaction and wellbeing.”
Mr Yao said the vibrant and collaborative academic environment at Monash Business School had been an integral part of his research process.
“The willingness of both my faculty members and my PhD colleagues to share their insights, engage in discussions, and support each other's research endeavours created a truly enriching learning atmosphere,” he said.
“This sense of community not only fosters personal growth but also significantly contributes to the quality of research and learning outcomes at Monash Business School.”