A Cross-Impact Analysis of Digital Transformation Factors in Construction Firms: A Multilevel MICMAC Analysis

Digital transformation (DT) in construction firms faces complex, interdependent barriers across individual, organizational, and metaorganizational levels, slowing adoption in a competitive industry. Prior studies often examined isolated factors, offering limited guidance for achieving digital maturity. This study advances the body of knowledge by employing a multilevel matrix of cross-impact multiplications applied to classification (MICMAC) cross-impact analysis to identify and evaluate 18 key DT factors—derived from 46 initial factors via a literature review and expert interviews—and their interdependencies in construction firms. Through qualitative content analysis and MICMAC software, we identify critical drivers, such as organizational culture and metaorganizational economic conditions, while highlighting system instability driven by organizational readiness and management approaches. This systemic perspective reveals dynamic interactions among factors, addressing a critical gap in holistic DT strategies. The study contributes novel theoretical insights by mapping these dynamics, offering a predictive framework for practitioners to prioritize interventions. Construction firms can foster adaptive cultures, enhance individual digital skills, and advocate for supportive policies to navigate challenges and boost competitiveness. Moreover, this framework equips project managers and policymakers with actionable strategies to operationalize DT, while strengthening resilience and productivity in a technology-resistant sector.