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Digital Transformation, Board Diversity, and Corporate Sustainable Development

Author

Listed:
  • Chi Zhang

    (College of Management, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China)

  • Xinyu Tian

    (School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China)

  • Xiaojie Sun

    (School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China)

  • Jian Xu

    (School of Economics and Management, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China)

  • Yu Gao

    (School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China)

Abstract

The rapid advancement of information technologies, such as the Internet of Things and big data, has created favorable conditions for digital transformation, which has main effects on the sustainable development of enterprises. Drawing upon stakeholder theory, this article employs text analysis to construct indicators for corporate digital transformation using data from A-share listed companies between 2015 and 2022. Meanwhile, ESG performance is utilized as a measure of corporate sustainable development. Through both theoretical inquiry and case study, this study investigates the influence of digital transformation on sustainable development in enterprises and arrives at the following conclusions: (1) Digital transformation exerts a substantial positive effect on the sustainable development of enterprises. Board diversity plays a moderating role in this relationship; age diversity and gender diversity weaken its promoting effect while experience diversity enhances its positive influence. These findings remain robust after conducting various tests to ensure validity and addressing endogeneity concerns; (2) Heterogeneity tests reveal that compared to non-state-owned enterprises and high-tech firms, digital transformation has a more pronounced promoting effect on sustainable development levels within state-owned enterprises and non-high-tech companies. This article offers novel research perspectives on how digitization drives corporate sustainability in the digital era while providing practical insights for companies aiming to achieve both digital transformation and sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Chi Zhang & Xinyu Tian & Xiaojie Sun & Jian Xu & Yu Gao, 2024. "Digital Transformation, Board Diversity, and Corporate Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7788-:d:1473134
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    1. Ivonne Soraya Burgos Villamar & Luis Eduardo Solís Granda & Jorge Fabricio Guevara Viejó & Juan Diego Valenzuela Cobos, 2025. "Analysis of the Impact of Information Behavior on the Marketing and Fertilization Strategies of Small Cocoa Producers in the Provinces of Guayas and Los Ríos in Ecuador," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-24, April.
    2. Xin Zhao & Shuyang Wang & Xiaoyu Wu, 2025. "Leveraging Board Experience Diversity to Enhance Corporate Green Technological Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-25, April.
    3. Jingzhuo Yu & Yong-Sik Hwang, 2024. "The Interaction Effects of Board Independence and Digital Transformation on Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance: Complementary or Substitutive?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-26, October.
    4. Ding, Xiaowei & Vuković, Darko B. & Sokolov, Boris I. & Vukovic, Natalia & Liu, Yali, 2024. "Enhancing ESG performance through digital transformation: Insights from China's manufacturing sector," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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