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Environmental uncertainty, resource orchestration and digital transformation: A fuzzy-set QCA approach

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  • Chen, Hansong
  • Tian, Zhen

Abstract

Digital transformation is essential if enterprises are to obtain a competitive advantage in the digital economy. However, successful transformation is a problem for both academia and industry. The literature mainly focuses on the net effects of single factors. Instead, we develop a configurational framework and propose that digital transformation does not depend on a single condition, but on interactions between environmental uncertainty and resource orchestration. Based on a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of Chinese enterprises undergoing digital transformation, we identify and explore five conditions that influence digital transformation. We show that both high and not-high levels of digital maturity can be achieved through different configurations of antecedents. There also exists a significant effect of technical uncertainty as well as synergy between environmental uncertainty and resource orchestration, which can jointly promote digital transformation. These findings enrich the literature on digital transformation and provide implications for the transformation of enterprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Hansong & Tian, Zhen, 2022. "Environmental uncertainty, resource orchestration and digital transformation: A fuzzy-set QCA approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 184-193.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:139:y:2022:i:c:p:184-193
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.09.048
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