Factors Affecting Blockchain Technology Adoption Among Manufacturing Firms in Batangas and Its Effect on Operational Excellence: An Investigation of Cultural Compatibility as Moderator

The increasing globalization of supply chains has revolutionized business operations, enabling seamless connections among supply chain players. However, this interconnectedness has also amplified challenges, particularly in managing the vast volumes of transactions and data inherent in supply chain systems. This study investigates the adoption of blockchain technology in manufacturing companies registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in Batangas. The research also aims to analyze the influence of technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) factors on blockchain adoption and assess its impact on operational excellence. Furthermore, the study evaluates the mediating role of cultural compatibility in the relationship between blockchain adoption and operational excellence. The research utilized a descriptive research design to systematically explore the relationships and characteristics associated with blockchain adoption. Data were collected and the respondents included 135 manufacturing companies located in the top three economic zones in Batangas. The survey instrument covered the demographic profiles of companies, TOE factors influencing blockchain adoption, blockchain's impact on operational excellence, cultural compatibility. Statistical tools were employed to analyze relationships and determine the significance of the findings. Key findings indicate that manufacturing companies are generally open to adopting blockchain technology. Relative advantage and openness to innovation significantly influence adoption, with positive coefficients and high statistical significance. While blockchain adoption positively impacts operational excellence, cultural compatibility moderates this relationship, with higher compatibility reducing the strength of blockchain's impact. Notably, significant differences in adoption levels were observed based on the product industry, with electronics companies showing the highest adoption rates.