The micro-foundations of digitally transforming SMEs: How digital literacy and technology interact with managerial attributes
研究中小企业管理者数字素养如何通过数字技术使用影响企业数字化转型，并发现管理者性别、教育和年龄会调节这一过程，基于158家阿联酋企业调查数据。
Research often illustrates the importance of digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly during external disruptions. However, little attention has been devoted to how SMEs’ digital transformation occurs. Employing a micro-foundations perspective, this study investigates the effect of managers’ digital literacy (MDL) on SMEs’ digital transformation. We test a moderated mediation model using survey data from 158 SMEs operating in the United Arab Emirates. Our findings suggest that MDL impacts digital transformation through the usage of digital technologies. Moreover, the relationship between MDL and the usage of digital technologies is further moderated by managerial attributes (i.e., gender, education, and age). Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.