The Mediating Role of Higher Education Pillars in the Effect of Digital Transformation on Lecturer Performance

Abstract

This study examines the impact of digital transformation on lecturer performance in higher education institutions (HEIs), with a specific focus on the mediating role of the three fundamental higher education pillars: teaching, research, and community service. It aims to assess how the integration of digital technologies enhances academic productivity and institutional effectiveness while identifying potential challenges in the adoption process. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing survey data collected from 355 lecturers at private universities in Indonesia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the relationships between digital transformation, the higher education (HE) pillars, and lecturer performance. The results indicate that digital transformation positively influences lecturer performance, primarily through its impact on teaching quality, research output, and community engagement. The higher education pillars serve as a significant mediator, reinforcing the indirect effects of digitalization on academic performance. However, challenges such as digital literacy gaps, adaptation difficulties, and technological barriers hinder the full realization of digital transformation’s benefits.