Designing a Digital Transformation Maturity Model Based on Service-Oriented Architecture in the Social Security Organization: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis Study

Jafar  Moradi; Mahmood Rezaeizade; Ahmad  Vedadi

Authors

Jafar Moradi Department of Public Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6341-639X
Mahmood Rezaeizade Department of Public Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5844-8604
Ahmad Vedadi Department of Public Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1110-5281

Keywords:

digital transformation, maturity model, service-oriented architecture (SOA), thematic analysis, Social Security Organization.

Abstract

Digital transformation has become one of the most important organizational strategies for enhancing efficiency, agility, and service delivery quality. Despite the development of numerous digital transformation maturity models, most existing models have focused primarily on technological and managerial dimensions, paying limited attention to the role of service-oriented architecture as a technical infrastructure and to the behavioral and cultural dimensions of large service organizations. Accordingly, the present study aimed to develop a digital transformation maturity model based on service-oriented architecture for the Social Security Organization. In terms of purpose, this was an applied study, and in terms of approach, it was qualitative and employed thematic analysis. The participants comprised 15 academic experts and managers familiar with digital transformation, service-oriented architecture, and the Social Security Organization. They were selected through purposive sampling, which continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA software and Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. The findings resulted in the identification of 140 initial codes, 52 final codes, 16 organizing themes, and seven overarching themes, which collectively formed the framework of the digital transformation maturity model. The validity of the findings was also confirmed through expert review and the within-subject agreement index. The results indicated that achieving digital transformation maturity in the Social Security Organization requires the integration of the technical components of service-oriented architecture with managerial, cultural, and behavioral dimensions. This synergy can provide the foundation for improving organizational performance and ensuring the sustainability of digital transformation.

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