The impacts of environmental social and governance and organizational economic resilience on digital transformation and firm performance: evidence from Malaysian firms in the post-pandemic era

Huzaifa, Ahmad (2026) The impacts of environmental social and governance and organizational economic resilience on digital transformation and firm performance: evidence from Malaysian firms in the post-pandemic era. Master dissertation/thesis, UTAR.

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Abstract

This research explores the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and firm Organizational Economic Resilience on digital transformation and firm performance in the post-COVID-19 era in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to explore the direct, indirect, and moderating effects among these variables. This study employed a quantitative approach with purposive sampling, and data were gathered from 574 respondents, including managers, executives, and decision-makers from various sectors in Malaysia. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The results showed that ESG factors and Organizational Economic Resilience have a positive influence on digital transformation, which is in turn associated with firm performance. Digital transformation also plays a moderating role in the relationships between ESG factors, Organizational Economic Resilience, and firm performance. However, Organizational Economic Resilience has no significant direct impact on firm performance, which implies a trade-off between Organizational Economic Resilience and efficiency. Moreover, risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic does not moderate the impact of digital transformation on firm performance. The research concludes that digital transformation is a key link in translating ESG factors and resilience into firm performance, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

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