Mechanisms of digital transformation practices and their impact on improving the strategic performance of employees at Yarmouk University and the University of Jordan

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanisms of digital transformation practices in Jordanian universities, their impact on employees' strategic performance  and the challenges hindering implementation. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 168 employees across two universities, revealing key findings. Universities that implement digital transformation mechanisms achieve significantly better strategic performance, with improvements in decision-making, productivity, and adaptability. Statistical analysis confirms a notable mean difference in performance outcomes (3.99 and  p < 0.001) between institutions with and without effective digital transformation mechanisms. Additionally, institutions with sufficient funding demonstrated superior outcomes (mean difference=4.02 and  p < 0.001), underscoring the critical role of financial resources. However, challenges such as insufficient funding (mean= 3.88), resistance to change (mean= 3.68), and weak infrastructure (mean= 3.34) were identified as significant barriers. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these issues through targeted interventions, including leadership development, enhanced funding, and fostering a culture of innovation. After conducting the research, the authors concluded that digital transformation is not merely a technological shift but rather a strategic necessity for improving the performance of institutions and their competitiveness. These insights provide recommendations that can be put into action by policymakers and university leaders to the groundwork for future research on long-term impacts and broader applications in higher education.