The Journal for Information Professionals
Asia Pacific Journal of Information Systems (APJIS), a Scopus and ABDC indexed journal, is a
flagship journal of the information systems (IS) field in the Asia Pacific region.
ISSN 2288-5404 (Print) / ISSN 2288-6818 (Online)
Editor : Youngsok Bang
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Current Issue
| Date | December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Vol. No. | Vol. 35 No. 4 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.14329/apjis.2025.35.4.896 |
| Page | 896~932 |
| Title | Navigating the Paradox of Digital Platforms: Affordances, Constraints, and the Gradual Path to Digital Transformation |
| Author | Ha Eun Park |
| Keyword | Digital Platform, Affordances and Constraints, Technology Affordance Theory, Paradox Theory, Digital Debt, Technical Debt, Digital Transformation |
| Abstract | Digital platforms have gained prominence across various domains and industries by offering generativity and flexibility. In contrast to a vast number of benefits brought by digital platforms, the growing problem of digital debt accrual while embedding a digital platform into an organization’s digital infrastructure and associated work processes has attracted increasing organizational concern and recent academic attention. Drawing on technology affordance theory and paradox theory, this paper examines how the affordances and constraints of a digital platform are leveraged to contribute to gradual digital transformation. The findings of this in-depth case study identify different types of affordances that foster digital transformation: minimum viable product development, cloud-based collaboration, and low-code/no-code development. This study also identifies the constraints of a digital platform, which are different types of digital debt: design debt, capability debt, and technical debt, that may hinder digital transformation. This study discusses the paradoxical tensions that arise from the affordances and constraints of a digital platform and the potential paradox management strategies to navigate those tensions and achieve gradual digital transformation. This research provides insights for scholars, managers, and organizations to better understand the dynamics of leveraging digital platforms in facilitating digital transformation. |
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