Data-driven digital transformation and the implications for antifragility in the humanitarian supply chain

Abstract

Digital technologies often create confusion among donors involved in the humanitarian supply chain (HSC). Specifically, donors are unsure about whether to rely on their application. Moreover, while studies have continuously discussed improving resilience in HSC, scant studies have sought to improve antifragility in the HSC. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the impact of donor confidence in digital technology on antifragility in the HSC through the mediating influence of digital technology applications in sourcing, material flow, and distribution, with trust in digital technologies and perceived overall effective digital technology governance playing moderating roles. The theoretical model was developed using resource dependence theory. Primary data were collected by surveying 296 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian operations. To test the measurement and structural models, partial least squares–based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied in SmartPLS. The data supported all of the hypotheses. This study bridges the gap between theory and practice by highlighting that digital technology application in sourcing, material flow, and distribution is a critical mediator in building an antifragile HSC. Moreover, donor confidence in digital technologies is critical, which NGOs should keep in mind when making any digital technology-related decisions. They should focus on improving trust in digital technologies as well as the perception of the effectiveness of digital technology governance to remove obstacles related to digital technology applications for digital transformation in the HSC.