Fears and misconception around change and digitalisation

Digitalisation is often met with resistance due to various fears and misconceptions. 

Here are ten common reasons why people resist change and digital  innovation:

1. Lack of Understanding: Insufficient knowledge about digital technologies can lead to fear of the unknown.  Uncertainty can lead to resistance.
2. Cost Concerns: Worry that implementing new technologies will be too expensive and not yield sufficient ROI.
3. Security Issues: Fear that digital systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches.
4. Disruption of Routine:  Anxiety about changing established workflows and routines.
5. Skills Gap: Concern that existing staff lack the necessary skills to adapt to new technologies, leading to a steep learning curve. Moreover, it touches on fears that digitalisation could replace human roles.
6. Complexity and Usability: Fear that new technologies might be too complex to use or integrate with existing systems, leading to operational disruptions.
7. Loss of Control: People worry that digitalisation may lead to loss of control over certain familiar processes and decision-making.
8. Cultural Resistance: Organisational culture that favours traditional methods and resists new ways of doing things.
9. Previous Failures: Scepticism stemming from past experiences where digital initiatives did not deliver expected results.
10. Fan & Member Experience: Fear that digital innovations could change the fan and member experience, potentially alienating traditional fans and members who prefer the conventional way of engaging with sport.

5 myths to be busted around sport and digitalisation

To start implementing a digitalisation process in your grassroots organisation, you shall therefore get ready to address the following myths:

These myths often stem from misunderstandings or lack of information. By addressing these misconceptions, grassroots sports organisations can better appreciate the potential benefits of digitalisation.

Key Takeaways

📟Digitalisation is often met with resistance due to various fears and misconceptions. 

📟 Misunderstanding and lack of information are often the biggest barriers to change.

Topic materials & Resources to go further

Name of the material	Why it matters / What you will find
The top 6 barriers to change and what changes agent can do about them 🔗	An article developed by  a change management consulting company providing a list of the 6 most common “bumps in the road” that cause projects to slow down or derail. But also bringing suggestions on what to do about them.