Digital transformation and firms' total factor productivity: The role of internal control quality

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of digital transformation on firms' total factor productivity (TFP) and its underlying mechanisms using panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2013 and 2021. By employing panel regression and mediation effect models, our findings demonstrate that digital transformation significantly enhances a firm's TFP. Furthermore, we reveal that digital transformation fosters TFP growth by enhancing the quality of internal control. This article offers novel insights into the mechanistic pathways through which digital transformation influences firm productivity.