Digital transformation, state Hei performance and the moderating role of leadership

Considering the importance of Digital Transformation (DT) for better performance in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and the role played by leadership in the DT process, this study has a twin aim. The first is to analyse how DT can influence different performance dimensions of State HEIs. The second is to analyse the possible moderating effect of leadership styles on the relation between DT and these HEIs' performance. To do so, a composite index of DT was elaborated and applied to websites of Brazilian and Iberian State HEIs. Through application of the PLS-SEM method, it was identified that three dimensions of DT are found to have a positive and significant influence on performance in research, transfer, internationalization and sustainability in Brazilian HEIs. In turn, three dimensions of DT influence performance in research and transfer in Iberian HEIs. Despite not confirming the moderating effect of leadership, this study revealed that the interaction between cybernetic and shared leadership styles and DT has a positive and significant influence on research performance in Brazilian HEIs. The empirical evidence presented here can support grounded, prioritized decision-making by managers and governors, in order to ensure improved DT and performance in the HEIs studied.