<![CDATA[This study examines how digital automation and data-driven decisions influence operational performance and service reliability through lean operations culture in Chinese-owned digital retail firms. A quantitative approach was applied using survey data collected from managers and supervisors responsible for operations and information systems. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed relationships among the constructs. The results indicate that digital automation significantly strengthens lean operations culture, while data-driven decisions also show a positive and meaningful effect on the same mediator. Lean operations culture demonstrates a strong influence on both operational performance and service reliability, confirming its central role in translating technological resources into operational outcomes. These findings highlight that technology adoption alone is insufficient without a supporting cultural orientation toward waste reduction, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution. The study contributes to operations management literature by integrating technological and cultural perspectives within a single explanatory framework. From a managerial standpoint, the results suggest that leaders in Chinese-owned digital retail firms should align automation investments with data-based routines and lean values to achieve sustainable performance improvements and reliable service delivery globally.]]>
