Beyond technology: the role of stakeholder influence and organizational politics in ERP readiness

Purpose This study introduces a novel political lens to ERP readiness assessment, moving beyond technical checklists to reveal how stakeholder power dynamics shape pre-implementation success. Using a mixed-method design integrating DEMATEL and ANP, we identify causality and weightings among readiness factors as perceived by different stakeholder groups. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach was adopted, integrating a systematic literature review with expert validation, followed by DEMATEL and Analytic Network Process (ANP) techniques. Data was collected from five stakeholder groups—project managers, ERP system managers, users, vendors, and consultants—to model causal relationships and stakeholder priorities across 13 ERP readiness dimensions. Findings The results demonstrate that readiness is not merely a static technical state but a dynamic outcome of political negotiation. “Vision and Strategy” emerged as the most causally influential dimension, while “Project Manager and Team Competency” received the highest stakeholder priority. High inter-group agreement (ICC = 0.988) underscores the shared understanding of politically salient readiness factors. Practical implications Managers are advised to incorporate stakeholder mapping, influence analysis, and political engagement strategies in readiness assessments. The proposed framework enables organizations to surface political risks early and align stakeholder interests, thereby increasing the likelihood of ERP success. Originality/value This study introduces a politically informed ERP readiness framework, grounded in Vroom's Expectancy Theory and Organizational Politics Theory. By extending traditional models, it positions readiness as an emergent property of stakeholder interaction, negotiation, and coalition-building—offering novel insights within the BPM domain. Our findings contribute a theory-driven, politically grounded ERP readiness model that offers both diagnostic insight and prescriptive guidance for ERP leaders.