The Impact of Digital Teaching Technologies (DTTs) in Saudi and Egyptian Universities on Institutional Sustainability: The Mediating Role of Change Management and the Moderating Role of Culture, Technology, and Economics

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to assess the extent to which universities in Saudi Arabia and Egypt have institutionalized digital teaching technologies (DTTs) to enhance institutional sustainability. It focuses on the mediating role of change management strategies and the moderating effects of cultural norms, technological infrastructure, and economic factors on this relationship, specifically examining their impact on institutional sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a mixed-methods approach with a comparative case study strategy. Data were collected via questionnaires and interviews with university staff, with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) being used to analyze the relationships among the variables, including DTT characteristics and other mediating/moderating factors. Findings: The findings support H1, H2, H6, and H8, confirming that the perceived characteristics of DTTs—relative advantage, complexity, observability, trialability, and compatibility—significantly impact institutional sustainability, with change management strategies mediating this relationship. Cultural norms and economic factors also have a direct influence on sustainability. However, H3 and H5, suggesting moderating effects of cultural norms and economic factors, were not supported, and H4 and H7 were excluded due to multicollinearity issues with technological infrastructure, which has already been adopted within DTT components. Originality/value: This study adds to the literature by highlighting the role of cultural and economic factors in the adoption of DTTs and introduces the novel concept of how change management strategies mediate the relationship between DTT characteristics and institutional sustainability. It provides practical insights for decision-makers in Saudi and Egyptian institutions, emphasizing culturally and economically aligned strategies for integrating DTT, fostering educational innovation, and enhancing sustainability.