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The stages of enterprise digital transformation and its impact on internal control: Evidence from China

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  • Cheng, Weixuan
  • Li, Cheng
  • Zhao, Tianjiao

Abstract

Enterprises have accelerated the pace of digital construction in the digital economy and post-epidemic era. Prior literature demonstrates the positive effects of digital transformation on firm performance and capital market performance. This paper aims to explore the mechanism of digital transformation stages on corporate internal management. Using data of Chinese listed companies for the years 2008 to 2020, this paper finds that digital transformation can significantly improve internal control quality. Specifically, at the development stage of enterprise digital transformation, the positive impact of digital transformation on internal control becomes apparent. In the maturity stage, digital transformation can improve five components of internal control. The heterogeneity analysis finds that when the company is state-owned, high-tech, located in the central and western, and located in the provinces with low marketization, the effect of digital transformation on internal control is stronger. Extended analysis finds that the digital transformation of enterprises can further contribute to improvements in financial performance and total factor productivity. The findings are of significant value for companies to apply digital technologies in depth to promote digital transformation and achieve high-quality internal control. The study contributes to the literature on the process of digital transformation and internal control from the Chinese context. The study also suggests some future research opportunities, such as other impacts of digital transformation and economic consequences for other economies, and developing new tools and methods for measuring the stages of digital transformation.

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  • Cheng, Weixuan & Li, Cheng & Zhao, Tianjiao, 2024. "The stages of enterprise digital transformation and its impact on internal control: Evidence from China," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:92:y:2024:i:c:s1057521924000115
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103079
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    4. Teng, Yuqiang & Du, Anna Min & Lin, Boqiang, 2024. "The mechanism of supply chain efficiency in enterprise digital transformation and total factor productivity," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 96(PA).
    5. Qiwei Zhou & Lingqiao Zang & Feiqiang Fu, 2024. "Influence of employee impact on their evaluation of enterprise digital capability: a mediated moderation model," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, December.
    6. Yang, Yuhan & Zhang, Chong & Liu, Baoliu & Huang, Yujie & Tai, Yafei, 2024. "Mystery of special government subsidies: How does digital transformation promote enterprise innovation and development?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 1-16.
    7. Zhang, Lu & Balia, Sophee Sulong bin, 2024. "Digital transformation and corporate audit risk: Mediating effects of auditor behavior," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 67(PA).
    8. Chen, Rongda & Mao, Weidao & Wang, Shengnan & Jin, Chenglu, 2024. "Can companies' input of data factor eliminate investors' home biases?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 96(PB).
    9. Jiang, Weijie & Li, Jiaye, 2024. "Digital transformation and its effect on resource allocation efficiency and productivity in Chinese corporations," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    10. Kang, Yi & Yuan, Tianrong & Tang, Muchen, 2024. "Digitalization's influence on corporate sustainability strategies in the context of new environmental law," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    11. Jin, Xing & Lyu, Kangyin, 2024. "The impact of digital economy on emerging employment trends: Insights from the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS)," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    12. Yushu, Kuang & Zongkeng, Li & Rui, Liang, 2024. "Disclosure of internal control evaluation reports of Chinese enterprises: History, problems and strategies," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).

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