The micro-foundations of digitally transforming SMEs: How digital literacy and technology interact with managerial attributes

Research often illustrates the importance of digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly during external disruptions. However, little attention has been devoted to how SMEs’ occurs. Employing a micro-foundations perspective, this study investigates effect managers’ literacy (MDL) on transformation. We test moderated mediation model using survey data from 158 SMEs operating in United Arab Emirates. Our findings suggest that MDL impacts through usage technologies. Moreover, relationship between technologies is further by managerial attributes (i.e., gender, education, age). Theoretical practical implications are discussed.