Enabling sustainable futures: examining organizational dynamics and technology platforms in digital transformation to achieve firm sustainability

Purpose Digitalization can likely achieve firm sustainability, which is required for success. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of digital enablers in enhancing sustainability among the managers of Pakistan’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using the resource-based view and dynamic capability theories. Design/methodology/approach For this study, the authors used a quantitative method. Cross-sectional data were collected using a questionnaire sent to managers and non-manager employees who were familiar with digital technologies. Finally, this study used 296 valid sample sizes for the study’s results. Findings Using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings show that digital technologies positively impact digital platforms and, in turn, firm sustainability. On the one hand, organizational dynamism positively impacts firm sustainability. On the other hand, digital orientation has a negative effect on organizational dynamism and firm sustainability. Digital platforms are also a negative predictor of firm sustainability. Turning to the mediating impacts, on the one hand, organizational dynamism is a positive factor that develops the connection between digital technologies and firm sustainability. On the other hand, organizational dynamism and digital platforms negatively mediate the association between digital orientation and firm sustainability. Finally, digital platform constructs negatively mediate between digital technologies and firm sustainability. Practical implications This study’s findings support policymakers’ and planners’ design policies to boost digitalization among SMEs and enhance their sustainability. By adopting these findings, SMEs may enhance their digital capabilities, technologies and employee orientations to become more successful. Originality/value This study’s findings fill the gaps in the existing literature by contributing an integrated framework that simultaneously confirms the direct and mediating paths among Pakistan’s SME managers.