Digital transformation strategy and faculty performance in Omani universities: The mediating role of digital transformation

Abstract

Type of the article: Research Article AbstractDigital transformation has become a key driver of competitiveness in higher education, with Omani universities investing heavily in technology to enhance teaching, research, and institutional performance. Yet, empirical evidence on how these strategic efforts influence faculty outcomes remains limited. This study aims to demonstrate that effective digital strategies enhance faculty performance in Omani universities by leveraging digital transformation as a mediating mechanism, while overcoming challenges of readiness, organizational support, and execution.A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was administered between April and May 2025 across public and private universities in Oman. The sample included academic staff with master’s and doctoral qualifications, who are most engaged in research, teaching innovation, and technological adoption. From 340 valid responses, reliability and validity analyses confirmed robust measures (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.748–0.985; validity coefficients > 0.865). Descriptive analysis showed that 63.2% of respondents held favorable views of institutional digital initiatives. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships among digital transformation strategy, digital transformation, and faculty performance (r = 0.837–0.901, p < 0.001). Regression results indicated that the digital transformation strategy explained 74.65% of the variance in faculty performance, which rose to 90.47% with the inclusion of digital transformation. Bootstrapping further confirmed an indirect effect (β = 0.379, p < 0.001), supporting partial mediation.This study provides timely evidence from 2025 that well-structured digital strategies significantly enhance faculty productivity, teaching quality, and research engagement. The findings emphasize embedding digital transformation within institutional strategies to strengthen academic performance and sustain competitiveness.