Managing Financial and Operational Risks Through Digital Transformation: The Mediating Influence of Information and Communication Technologies’ Adoption and Resistance to Change

This study examines the relationships among ICT adoption, resistance to change, and digital transformation, focusing on their influence on financial and operational risk management. The research utilizes a quantitative design, drawing on data from 768 Moroccan professionals across multiple industries. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze both direct and indirect effects within the proposed theoretical framework. The findings indicate that ICT adoption has a positive effect on digital transformation, whereas resistance to change exerts a negative influence. Additionally, digital transformation mediates the impact of ICT adoption and resistance to change on financial and operational risks, thereby reducing these risks. These results underscore the potential role of change management in facilitating digital transformation and mitigating risk. From a managerial and policy standpoint, the study highlights the importance of fostering an organizational environment supportive of ICT adoption and addressing resistance to change. Integrating digital transformation into risk management strategies may also contribute to organizational resilience. This research extends existing knowledge by clarifying how digital transformation mediates the relationship between technology adoption, organizational behavior, and risk management.