Priviet Social Sciences Journal
Vol. 6 No. 8 (2026): August 2026

The effect of digital transformation barriers on sustainable competitive advantage: The mediating role of digital technology adoption among traditional market traders in Bali

Celine Diva Fortuna (Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional,)
Nyoman Sri Subawa (Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Pendidikan Nasional)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Aug 2026

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has increased the need for traditional market traders to adopt digital practices in order to remain competitive. However, many traders still experience barriers to digital transformation, such as limited digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, high implementation costs, insufficient training, technological complexity, and security concerns. These barriers may discourage digital technology adoption and reduce the ability of traders to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Therefore, this study examines the effect of Digital Transformation Barriers on Sustainable Competitive Advantage through the mediating role of Digital Technology Adoption among traditional market traders in Bali. A quantitative approach with an associative research design was employed. Data were collected from 200 traditional market traders using a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The research model consists of Digital Transformation Barriers (X) as the independent variable, Digital Technology Adoption (Z) as the mediating variable, and Sustainable Competitive Advantage (Y) as the dependent variable. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The findings indicate that Digital Transformation Barriers have a negative and significant effect on Digital Technology Adoption (β = −0.483; t = 8.463; p < 0.001). Meanwhile, Digital Technology Adoption positively and significantly affects Sustainable Competitive Advantage (β = 0.640; t = 15.611; p < 0.001). Furthermore, Digital Technology Adoption significantly mediates the relationship between Digital Transformation Barriers and Sustainable Competitive Advantage (β = −0.309; t = 6.364; p < 0.001). These findings emphasize that reducing digital transformation barriers is essential for increasing digital technology adoption and strengthening the long-term competitiveness of traditional market traders in Bali. Keywords: Digital Transformation Barriers, Digital Technology Adoption, Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Traditional Market Traders, PLS-SEM.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PSSJ

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

PSSJ: Priviet Social Sciences Journal is an open access, monthly peer-reviewed international journal published by PRIVIETLAB. It provides an avenue to academicians, researchers, managers and others to publish their research work that contributes to the knowledge and theory of Social Sciences. PSSJ ...