THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE: EVIDENCE FROM SMES IN VIETNAM

Abstract

In an increasingly turbulent and complex business environment, small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam encounter significant challenges from external disruptions, underscoring the necessity for strong adaptive and resilient capabilities. This study investigates the influence of digital transformation on organizational resilience, with particular attention to the mediating roles of organizational learning and innovation, and the moderating role of environmental dynamism. Data were collected from 477 SMEs located in major Vietnamese cities and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in combination with T-Tests to examine the proposed hypotheses. The findings reveal that digital transformation positively and directly enhances organizational resilience. Furthermore, organizational learning and innovation act as vital mediators, channeling the benefits of digital transformation into resilience capacity. The study also uncovers a complementary relationship between learning and innovation, highlighting their mutual reinforcement in strengthening firms’ ability to withstand disruption. In addition, environmental dynamism intensifies the effect of digital transformation on learning and innovation, thereby indirectly consolidating resilience. Overall, the results not only advance theoretical understanding of the nexus between digital transformation and organizational resilience but also provide practical implications for managers on how to leverage digital transformation as a strategic resource to build resilience and foster sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive and uncertain marketplace.