Successful configurations of technology–organization–environment factors in digital transformation: Evidence from exporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing industry

Abstract

Drawing on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, this article examines the influence of TOE factors on the success of digital transformation (DT) in manufacturing export small and medium-sized enterprises, and how these factors are configured to explain DT success. While PLS-SEM results show the individual effect of TOE factors, fsQCA results reveal five paths with different configurations for DT success. fsQCA results complement and extend the results of PLS-SEM analysis by showing that a condition can be present or absent depending on how it is combined with other factors. The combination of these two methodological approaches provides a more nuanced understanding of DT.