20th International Strategic Management Conference, Belgrade, Sırbistan, 11 - 13 Eylül 2025, ss.1-10, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
The primary aim of this research is to explore whether digital twin technology can assist business managers in performing their duties and, if so, which specific tasks it can support. The study follows a qualitative research approach, focusing on the interpretation and understanding of the subject. The research methodology is structured within the framework of a phenomenological design, with in-depth interviews conducted with 10 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through both face-to-face and online interviews, utilizing a semi-structured interview technique. The collected data were then analyzed using content analysis, resulting in the identification of 35 codes, 8 categories, and 3 overarching themes. The findings indicate that managerial tasks can be categorized into two distinct groups: routine (procedural) tasks and strategic tasks. It was determined that digital twins are capable of handling routine tasks, which are typically based on numerical data and follow established procedures. However, strategic tasks, which necessitate emotional intelligence and complex decision-making, are beyond the current capabilities of digital twin technology. This limitation arises from the inability of digital twins to integrate emotional intelligence, an essential aspect of managerial judgment. Furthermore, the research reveals a consensus among participants that delegating routine tasks to digital twins would be beneficial for managers. While digital twins can significantly enhance the efficiency of routine tasks, the findings underscore that human involvement remains crucial in strategic decision-making processes, where emotional intelligence and nuanced judgment are required. This suggests that while digital twins hold substantial potential for streamlining operations, they cannot replace human judgment in areas that demand a high degree of emotional and strategic insight.