The effectiveness of digital transformation on improving firm performance: evidence from Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/bmee.2026.23953

Abstract

Purpose – This study assesses the effectiveness of digital transformation on improving firm performance. A prominent financing company in Indonesia was selected in this study considering that financing industry is at the forefront of implementing digital transformation.

Research methodology – The assessment of digital transformation effectiveness is approached as a multi criteria decision-making problem. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed across a 5-level decision hierarchy encompassing objective, desired value creation, expected outcomes, processes, and effectiveness of digital transformation. Senior executives at the company provided expert judgments through pairwise comparisons. To strengthen validity, a funnel triangulation approach integrates findings with resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theoretical lenses. 

Findings – The study reveals that digital transformation has moderately to strongly enhanced firm performance in the examined company. With respect to value creation, the company being studied places firm value as the most prioritized value creation, followed by customer value and stakeholder value.

Research limitations – The decision model developed in this study only consider all processes that have direct impacts on firm performance. Realizing digital transformation requires interaction between people, machines, business processes and leadership from top management. 

Practical implications – While this is a single-company case study, the AHP-based decision model can be adapted to assess digital transformation in other firms. 

Originality/Value – The study provides a structured decision model for assessing digital transformation effectiveness.

Keywords:

digital transformation, firm performance, analytic hierarchy process

How to Cite

Febransyah, A. (2026). The effectiveness of digital transformation on improving firm performance: evidence from Indonesia. Business, Management and Economics Engineering, 24(2), 226–241. https://doi.org/10.3846/bmee.2026.23953

Share

Published in Issue
March 17, 2026
Abstract Views
0

References

Abdulquadri, A., Mogaji, E., Kieu, T. A., & Nguyen, N. P. (2021). Digital transformation in financial services provision: A Nigerian perspective to the adoption of chatbot. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 15(2), 258–281. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-06-2020-0126

Agrawal, P., Narain, R., & Ullah, I. (2020). Analysis of barriers in implementation of digital transformation of supply chain using interpretive structural modelling approach. Journal of Modelling in Management, 15(1), 297–317. https://doi.org/10.1108/JM2-03-2019-0066

Akarsu, O., Bağış, M., & Kurutkan, M. N (2025). Digital leadership as micro-foundations of digital transformation, technology adaptive capability and financial performance. Journal of Organizational Change Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-12-2024-0792

Alieva, J., & Powell, D. J. (2022). The significance of employee behaviours and soft management practices to avoid digital waste during a digital transformation. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 14(1), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-07-2021-0127

AlMulhim, A. F. (2021). Smart supply chain and firm performance: The role of digital technologies. Business Process Management Journal, 27(5), 1353–1372. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-12-2020-0573

Au, C. H., Tan, B., & Sun, Y. (2020). Developing a P2P lending platform: Stages, strategies and platform configurations. Internet Research, 30(4), 1229–1249. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-03-2019-0099

Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700108

Besson, P., & Rowe, F. (2012). Strategizing information systems-enabled organizational transformation: A transdisciplinary review and new directions. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 21(2), 103–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2012.05.001

Bota-Avram, C. (2023). Science mapping of digital transformation in business: A bibliometric analysis and research outlook. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26765-9

Chen, Y. K., Jaw, Y., & Wu, B. (2016). Effect of digital transformation on organizational performance of SMEs: Evidence from the Taiwanese textile industry’s web portal. Internet Research, 26(1), 186–212. https://doi.org/10.1108/IntR-12-2013-0265

Davenport, T. H. & Westerman, G. (2018). Why so many high-profile digital transformation fail. Harvard Business Review, 2–6.

Deng, H., Yang, F., & Huang, W. (2026). Steered by digitization and incentives: The configuration and effect of improving innovation efficiency in manufacturing companies. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 12, Article 100900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2025.100900

Fernandez-Vidal, J., Gonzalez, R., Gasco, J., & Llopis, J. (2022). Digitalization and corporate transformation: The case of European oil and gas firms. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 174, Article 121293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121293

Fitzgerald, M. (2013). How Starbucks has gone digital. MIT Sloan Management Review. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/how-starbucks-has-gone-digital/

Fitzgerald, M., Kruschwitz, N., Bonnet, D., & Welch, M. (2013). Embracing digital technology: A new strategic imperative. MIT Sloan Management Review. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/projects/embracing-digital-technology/

Fukuzawa, M., Sugie, R., Park, Y., & Shi, J. (2022). An exploratory case study on metrics and performance of IoT investment in Japanese manufacturing firms. Sustainability, 14(5), Article 2708. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052708

Gaglio, C., Kraemer-Mbula, E., & Lorenz, E. (2022). The effects of digital transformation on innovation and productivity: Firm-level evidence of South African manufacturing micro and small enterprises. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 182, Article 121785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121785

Ghi, T. N., Thu, N. Q., Huan, N. Q., & Trung, N. T. (2022). Human capital, digital transformation, and firm performance of startups in Vietnam. Management, 26(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.2478/manment-2019-0081

Grijalba, M. A., Hernández, Y. B., Perez-Encinas, A., & Santos Urda, B. (2025). Does the use of digital tools improve a firm’s performance?. Review of Managerial Science, 19, 2193–2210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-024-00750-4

Guo, L., & Xu, L. (2021). The effect of digital transformation on firm performance: Evidence from China’s manufacturing sector. Sustainability, 13(22), Article 12844. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212844

Hallikas, J., Immonen, M., & Brax, S. (2021). Digitalizing procurement: The impact of data analytics on supply chain performance. Supply Chain Management, 26(5), 629–646. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-05-2020-0201

Hess, T., Matt, C., Benlian, A., & Wiesböck, F. (2016). Options for formulating a digital transformation strategy. MIS Quarterly Executive, 15(2), 123–139.

Junge, A. L., & Straube, F. (2020). Sustainable supply chains – digital transformation technologies’ impact on the social and environmental dimension. Procedia Manufacturing, 43, 736–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2020.02.110

Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1992). The balanced scorecard – measures that drive performance. Harvard Business Review, 70(1), 71–79.

Kotter, J. P. (1995). Leading change: Why transformation efforts fail. Harvard Business Review, 73(2), 59–67.

Kretchmer, T., & Khashabi, P. (2020). Digital transformation and organization design: An integrated approach. California Management Review, 62(4), 86–104. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125620940296

Li, L., Su, F., Zhang, W., & Mao, J.-Y. (2017). Digital transformation by SME entrepreneurs: A capability perspective. Information Systems Journal, 28(6), 1129–1157. https://doi.org/ 10.1111/isj.12153

Liang, T.-P., You, J.-J., & Liu, C.-C. (2010). A resource-based perspective on information technology and firm performance: A meta analysis. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 110(8), 1138–1158. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635571011077807

Lin, C., Huang, Y.-A., & Stockdale, R. (2011). Developing a B2B web site effectiveness model for SMEs. Internet Research, 21(3), 304–325. https://doi.org/10.1108/10662241111139327

Llopis-Albert, C., Rubio, F., & Valero, F. (2021). Impact of digital transformation on the automotive industry. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 162, Article 120343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120343

Llorens, M., Carrasco, R., Bueno, I., Herrera-Viedma, E., & Morente-Molinera, J. A. (2022). Multiple criteria approach applied to digital transformation in Fashion stores: The case of physical retailers in Spain. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 28(2), 500–530. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2022.16553

Lu, Z., Zhao, J., & Chi, M. (2012). Antecedents and consequences of e-supply chain coordination capability for enterprises: An empirical study in China. International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 10(3–4), 361–373. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJNVO.2012.046457

Matarazzo, M., Penco, L., Profumo, G., & Quaglia, R. (2021). Digital transformation and customer value creation in Made in Italy SMEs: A dynamic capabilities perspective. Journal of Business Research, 123, 642–656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.10.033

Nadkarni, S., & Prügl, R. (2021). Digital transformation: A review, synthesis and opportunities for future research. Management Review Quarterly, 71, 233–341. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-020-00185-7

Nasution, R. A., Arnita, D., Rusnandi, L. S. L., Qadariah, E., Rudito, P., & Sinaga, M. F. N. (2020). Digital mastery in Indonesia: The organization and individual contrast. Journal of Management Development, 39(4), 359–390. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-03-2019-0081

Nguyen-Thi-Huong, L., Nguyen-Viet, H., Nguyen-Phuong, A., & Van Nguyen, D. (2023). How does digital transformation impact bank performance? Cogent Economics & Finance, 11(1), Article 2217582. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2023.2217582

Papa, A., Dezi, L., Gregori, G. L., Mueller, J., & Miglietta, N. (2020). Improving innovation performance through knowledge acquisition: The moderating role of employee retention and human resource management practices. Journal of Knowledge Management, 24(3), 589–605. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-09-2017-0391

Peng, Y., & Tao, C. (2022). Can digital transformation promote enterprise performance? – From the perspective of public policy and innovation. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(3), Article 100198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100198

Qin, S., Liu., Z., Wang, J., & Wu, Y. (2024). The impact of digital transformation on labour demand quantity and structure: Evidence from China. Economic Analysis and Policy, 84, 1452–1469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2024.10.036

Rasool, F., Greco, M., & Grimaldi, M. (2022). Digital supply chain performance metrics: A literature review. Measuring Business Excellence, 26(1), 23–38. https://doi.org/10.1108/MBE-11-2020-0147

Rogers, D. (2016). The digital transformation playbook: Rethink your business for the digital age. Columbia University Press.

Saaty, T. L. (1980). The analytic hierarchy process: Planning, priority setting, resource allocation. McGraw-Hill. https://doi.org/10.21236/ADA214804

Seclen-Luna, J. P., Vergara, R. I. C., & Valladares, H. L. (2022). Effects of the use of digital technologies on the performance of firm in a developing country: Are there differences between creative and manufacturing industries? International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management, 10(1), 73–91. https://doi.org/10.12821/ijispm100104

Shahi, C., & Sinha, M. (2020). Digital transformation: Challenges faced by organizations and their potential solutions. International Journal of Innovation Science, 13(1), 17–33. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-09-2020-0157

Singh, S., Sharma, M., & Dhir, S. (2021). Modeling the effect of digital transformation in Indian manufacturing industry. Technology in Society, 67, Article 101763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101763

Souza, N. A., & Beuren, I. M. (2022). Digital transformation and startup performance: intervention of management information and entrepreneurial creativity. Revista Contabilidade, Gestão e Governança, 25(3), 435–454. http://doi.org/10.51341/cgg.v25i3.2947

Svahn, F., Mathiassen, L., & Lindgren, R. (2017). Embracing digital innovation in incumbent firms: How Volvo Cars managed competing concerns. MIS Quarterly, 41(1), 239–253. https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2017/41.1.12

Tabrizi, B., Lam, E., Girard, K., & Irvin, V. (2019). Digital transformation is not about technology. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/03/digital-transformation-is-not-about-technology

Tavares, R. M., Tavares, J. M. L., & Parry-Jones, S. L. (2008). The use of a mathematical multicriteria decision-making model for selecting the fire origin room. Building and Environment, 43(12), 2090–2100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2007.12.010

Teece, D. J., Pisano, G., & Shuen, A. (1997). Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic Management Journal, 18(7), 509–533. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199708)18:7%3C509::AID SMJ882%3E3.0.CO;2-Z

Teng, X., Wu, Z., & Yang, F. (2022). Research on the relationship between digital transformation and performance of SMEs. Sustainability, 14(10), Article 6012. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106012

Tuo, G., Appiah, M. K., Sarpong, K. O., & Okyere, S. (2024). Does supply chain resilience mediate the relation between artificial intelligence capabilities and supply chain performance? Open Journal of Business and Management, 12, 4340–4358. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbm.2024.126218

Verhoef, P. C., Broekhuizen, T., Bart, Y., Bhattacharya, A., Qi Dong, J., Fabian, N., & Haenlein, M. (2021). Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda. Journal of Business Research, 122, 889–901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.09.022

Wang, H., Feng, J., Zhang, H., & Li, X. (2020). The effect of digital transformation strategy on performance: The moderating role of cognitive conflict. International Journal of Conflict Management, 31(3), 441–462. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCMA-09-2019-0166

Warner, K. S. R., & Wager, M. (2019). Building dynamic capabilities for digital transformation: An ongoing process of strategic renewal. Long Range Planning, 52(3), 326–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2018.12.001

Wernerfelt, B. (1984). A resource-based view of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 5(2), 171–180. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250050207

Wu, K., Fu, Y., & Kong, D. (2022). Does the digital transformation of enterprises affect stock price crash risk? Finance Research Letters, 48, Article 102888. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2022.102888

Xiao, Z., Li, Y., & Xiang, C. (2025). Do suppliers value customer firms’ digital transformation? Evidence from trade credit provision. International Review of Financial Analysis, 99, Article 103976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2025.103976

Xue, Z., Hou, Y., Cao, G., & Sun, G. (2024). How does digital transformation drive innovation in Chinese agribusiness: Mechanism and micro evidence. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 9(2), Article 100489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2024.100489

Yu, J., Wang, J., & Moon, T. (2022). Influence of digital transformation capability on operational performance. Sustainability, 14(13), Article 7909. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137909

Zhai, H., Yang, M., & Chan, K. C. (2022). Does digital transformation enhance a firm’s performance? Evidence from China. Technology in Society, 68, Article 101841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101841

Zhao, X., Sun, X., Zhao, L., & Xing, Y. (2022). Can the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises promote enterprise innovation? Business Process Management Journal, 28(4), 960–982. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-01-2022-0018

Zuo, L., Strauss, J., & Zuo, L. (2021). The digitalization transformation of commercial banks and its impact on sustainable efficiency improvements through investment in science and technology. Sustainability, 13(19), Article 11028. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131911028

View article in other formats

CrossMark check

CrossMark logo

Published

2026-03-17

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Febransyah, A. (2026). The effectiveness of digital transformation on improving firm performance: evidence from Indonesia. Business, Management and Economics Engineering, 24(2), 226–241. https://doi.org/10.3846/bmee.2026.23953

Share