Work

CEOs ' digital technology backgrounds and enterprise digital transformation: The mediating effect of R&D investment and corporate social responsibility

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Enterprise digital transformation (EDT) is becoming an essential strategy for business growth owing to the rapid iterative invention of digital technologies. Based on imprinting theory, we examined the effects of chief executive officers' (CEOs') digital technology backgrounds (DTBs) on EDT using data on Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2020. We found that (1) CEOs with digital technology‐related learning or career experience can drive EDT to a higher degree. (2) Research and development (R&D) investment and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are significant variables that influence the digital transformation of CEOs' digital technology. Both partially mediate CEOs' DTBs, driving digital transformation by increasing R&D investment and enhancing CSR. (3) CEOs' DTBs significantly promote digital transformation in state‐owned, high‐tech, and digital economy enterprises. By promoting digital transformation, CEOs' DTBs substantially increased their sustainable development.

Source: Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management

DOI: 10.1002/csr.2704

Authors: Changchun Zhu, Na Li, Jing Ma, Xiaobin Qi

Institutions: Jiangsu Open University, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing Forestry University

Language: English

Topic: Digital Economy and Transformation

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation