Decomposing the Construct of Digital Transformation: An In-depth Explora-tion of its Integral Pillars using the Viable System Models Perspective

Digital transformation (DT) has become a strategic imperative across industries, yet its fundamental concepts often remain undefined. This paper introduces a novel approach to demystifying DT using the Viable System Model (VSM). Through a structured literature review of 45 papers, the study identifies eight integral pillars of DT, each encompassing multiple capabilities. These pillars are then mapped to the VSM, offering a holistic frame-work to understand the complex dynamics and challenges of digital transformation. This systematic approach advances the DT discourse, comprehensively understanding its core components and suggesting future research directions in this evolving field.