DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF HUMAN CAPITAL AND THE MODERATING EFFECT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN PAKISTAN’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR

Abstract

Digital transformation has become a critical driver of organizational adaptability and competitiveness, particularly in enhancing sustainable supply chain resilience amid increasing global disruptions. This study examines the impact of digital transformation on sustainable supply chain resilience in Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, with a specific focus on the mediating role of human capital and the moderating effect of transformational leadership. A quantitative, explanatory research design was employed, and data were collected from 350 managerial employees across key manufacturing industries using a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that digital transformation has a significant positive effect on supply chain resilience. Moreover, human capital partially mediates this relationship, indicating that workforce capabilities are essential for translating technological investments into resilience outcomes. The results further demonstrate that transformational leadership significantly strengthens the relationship between digital transformation and supply chain resilience. The study concludes that achieving sustainable resilience requires an integrated approach combining digital technologies, skilled human resources, and effective leadership. These findings provide valuable theoretical and practical insights for enhancing resilience in emerging economies.