Study goals
This meta-analysis aims to investigate the relationship between digital transformation and organizational performance, considering the moderating role of Top Management Team (TMT) attributes such as age, tenure, and prior knowledge of digital technologies.
Relevance / originality
The study integrates empirical evidence on digital transformation and top leadership characteristics, contributing to strategy, organizational behavior, and technology management, with originality in applying the Upper Echelons Theory to understand the human determinants of digital transformation.
Methodology / approach
We conducted a meta-analysis, supported by a systematic literature review, that gathered quantitative studies on digital transformation, organizational performance, and TMT attributes. Variables, classified into performance, digital transformation, and managerial characteristics, were examined using meta-regression techniques.
Main results
The analysis confirmed that digital transformation is associated with improvements in organizational performance. Furthermore, certain TMT characteristics, such as age and prior knowledge of digital technologies, were found to influence this relationship, while tenure showed no relevant moderating effect.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The study shows that digital transformation effects depend on human factors. Integrating Upper Echelons Theory (UET) with aggregated data, it offers a new perspective on how leadership profiles influence the effectiveness of digital strategies.
Social / management contributions
The findings provide practical guidelines for companies seeking to optimize investments in digital transformation, highlighting the need to align leadership profiles with the demands of dynamic and technological contexts, benefiting managers and HR in the formation of executive teams.