The digitalization-reputation link: a multiple case-study on Italian banking groups

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the relation between digital transformation and banks’ reputation, as examined through information disclosed by five largest Italian banking groups’ efforts extend enhance their resources. Considering digitalization a key strategy for managing which, in turn, can leverage financial value performance management, investigates whether how activities might affect reputation. Therefore, this proposes relationship reputation lever management increasing efficiency. Design/methodology/approach The authors use content analysis generate disclosure index, categorizing human, structural relational. For reputations, proxies are measure of corporate reputational risk index. Methodologically study used multiple case studies, considered particularly suitable gain an in-depth understanding topic banks. A collection secondary data semi-structured interviews included. Findings Overall, digitalization-reputation link shows that is variously affected, not only exposure (including risk) but also strategic issues such effectiveness corresponding communication. Consequently, banks should view driver be stand-alone perspective, combined approach. Research limitations/implications Continued research include Covid-19 implications. Additionally, it would important compare larger number banks, with different characteristics, including variables indicating governance mechanisms. Practical implications contributes fostering scholars’ practitioners’ challenge current key-factor, capable value. It considers drivers directly affecting monetary institutions’ social relational value, well Originality/value extends prior investigating area within sector. allows key-factors contribute considering