Digital technologies and digitalization performance: the mediating role of digitalization management

Purpose This study explores the impact of digital technologies and digitalization management on digitalization performance in Lithuanian manufacturing firms, aiming to unravel the dynamics between digital technology adoption and managerial capabilities in enhancing digitalization performance. Design/methodology/approach Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the research analyzes data from a survey of 506 Lithuanian manufacturing firms, focusing on their digitalization strategies and outcomes. Findings The findings reveal that while digital technologies alone do not directly influence digitalization performance, digitalization management significantly mediates this relationship, highlighting the pivotal role of managerial practices in maximizing the benefits of digital technologies. Research limitations/implications The study acknowledges limitations in its scope, primarily focusing on Lithuanian manufacturing firms, which may affect the generalizability of its findings to other sectors or geographical contexts. Practical implications The study offers valuable insights for practitioners and managers, underscoring the importance of strategic management in leveraging digital technologies for enhanced digitalization performance and providing a roadmap for more effective digital transformation practices. Originality/value This research elucidates the intricate dynamics between digital technologies, digitalization management and digitalization performance, revealing a pivotal mediating role of digitalization management. It notably demonstrates that digital technologies, contrary to expectations, do not directly influence digitalization performance, underscoring the essential function of digitalization management in harnessing digital technologies for enhanced performance.