Which approach would MOST help an organization to plan a digital transformation if it does not have a digital strategy?

A digital strategy is the foundational element that provides the vision, direction, and objectives for a digital transformation. According to ITIL 4: Digital and IT Strategy, planning and decision-making at every level are directed by the strategy. Attempting to plan a transformation without a strategy is like starting a journey without a destination; the effort will lack focus, alignment with business goals, and a clear definition of value. Therefore, the most critical and logical first step for an organization without a digital strategy is to define one. This strategy will then serve as the essential blueprint for planning the transformation initiatives.

A. Incremental improvements without a guiding strategy are likely to be disjointed and will not lead to a cohesive, valuable transformation.
B. Planning a large-scale transformation to define a strategy is a high-risk, reactive approach that inverts the logical process of defining purpose before action.
C. A best practice framework is a tool to help structure the implementation of a strategy, not a substitute for creating one tailored to the organization's unique context.

1. AXELOS. (2020). ITIL® 4: Digital and IT Strategy. TSO (The Stationery Office).

Section 4.1.1, Vision: "The vision provides a focus and direction for the organization’s strategy, which in turn directs the planning and decision-making at every level." This establishes the hierarchy where strategy precedes and directs planning.

Section 4.3, How do we get there? Defining the digital strategy: This entire section is dedicated to the process of formulating a strategy, which is presented as a necessary step before implementation (discussed in Section 4.4).

Section 2.1.1, The purpose of strategy: "A strategy describes how an organization will achieve its goals." This confirms that goals and a strategic approach must be established before planning the specific actions of a transformation.