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2.2. Theoretical background
Research on the factors influencing digital transformation in accounting within private
universities is grounded in several theoretical perspectives related to technology adoption in
organisations.
The Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, proposed by Tornatzky
and Fleischer (1990), suggests that the adoption and implementation of technology within
organisations are influenced by three main contexts: technological, organisational, and
environmental factors. This framework provides a comprehensive perspective for examining
the conditions that shape technological innovation and digital transformation within
organisations. In the context of this study, information technology infrastructure is
considered a technological factor that reflects the level of readiness for digital
transformation in accounting within private universities. The group of organisational factors
includes leadership awareness and commitment, the competence of accounting staff,
financial resources, and organisational culture. These internal factors may influence the
ability of institutions to implement and operate digital accounting systems. In addition,
policy and the legal environment are considered external environmental factors that affect
the implementation of digital transformation in higher education institutions. The
application of the TOE model enables this study to comprehensively analyse the factors
influencing the process of digital transformation in accounting in private universities.
The Resource-Based View (RBV) provides an additional theoretical lens to explain the
role of internal organisational resources in facilitating digital transformation in accounting
within private universities. According to RBV, organisational resources such as human
capabilities, information technology infrastructure, and financial resources are critical
drivers that enhance an organisation’s ability to innovate and adopt new technologies
(Barney, 1991). In the context of private universities, the competencies of accounting
personnel, the availability of information technology systems, and the capacity for financial
investment can create favourable conditions for the implementation of digitalised
accounting systems. Therefore, applying RBV helps to further clarify the importance of
internal resources in supporting and accelerating digital transformation in accounting
practices within private higher education institutions.
2.3. Research hypotheses and research model
Digital transformation in accounting (DTA)
For universities, particularly in the private sector, digital transformation in accounting
plays a crucial role in enhancing governance capacity and competitiveness. The adoption of
digitalized accounting systems not only improves operational efficiency but also provides a
foundation for comprehensive digital transformation in university governance. Digital
transformation in accounting within universities can be understood as the process of
applying digital technologies to accounting and financial management activities in order to
improve information processing efficiency, enhance transparency, and support decision-
making (Bhimani & Willcocks, 2014). This, in turn, enables universities to optimize resource
utilization, strengthen financial control, and meet the demands of modern governance (Vial,
2021).
Policy and legal environment (PLE)
Policy and the legal environment are considered important factors influencing the
implementation of digital transformation in organisations. This factor includes government
regulations, legal frameworks related to information technology, electronic accounting, data
management, and policies promoting digital transformation. A clear and stable regulatory
environment can facilitate organisations in adopting new technologies and implementing
digital management systems (Tornatzky & Fleischer, 1990). For private universities,
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