Antecedents of digital transformation from the perspective of socio-technical systems: an empirical analysis using SEM and fsQCA

Purpose Digital transformation (DT) is critical to the sustainable development of enterprises. Although prior empirical research has examined the outcomes and antecedents of enterprise DT, less attention has been paid to how multiple internal micro-level technical and organizational factors jointly shape DT within an integrated framework. This study therefore investigates the antecedents of DT from a socio-technical systems (STS) perspective and examines both their individual and configurational effects. Design/methodology/approach This study introduces a model grounded in STS theory to delineate the antecedents of DT in enterprises. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study analyzes data from 518 valid questionnaires collected from middle and senior managers. Findings Results indicate that information technology infrastructure capability, digital process capability, digital mindset, organizational agility and digital connectivity have a significant positive impact on DT outcomes. It is also found that there are three configurations for high-level DT outcomes and three for non-high-level DT outcomes. Originality/value This study constructs a research model of antecedents influencing the development of DT in enterprises from the perspective of STS theory. Digital connectivity is introduced as a key factor in bridging the technical and social subsystems to expand the existing theoretical framework. This study also offers new insights into how different STS-based combinations can lead to varying DT outcomes.