The Role of Quality Management and International Standards in Reducing Financial Risks and Safeguarding Financial Health in Foreign Trade Processes through Digital Technologies and Intelligent Systems

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the direct, indirect, and moderating effects of quality management, international standards, digital capabilities, intelligent systems, information transparency, financial risk reduction, and digital maturity on the financial health of organizations involved in foreign trade. This applied study used a quantitative descriptive-survey design. The statistical population included managers, senior experts, and specialists working in foreign trade, finance, accounting, quality control, compliance, export, import, and international supply-chain activities. Using purposive and convenience sampling, 385 eligible respondents were selected. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire scored on a five-point Likert scale. Content validity was assessed by experts, while construct validity and reliability were evaluated using factor loadings, average variance extracted, Cronbach’s alpha, rho_A, composite reliability, the Fornell–Larcker criterion, and the heterotrait–monotrait ratio. The hypotheses were tested through partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 4. Quality management significantly predicted financial risk reduction (β = 0.421, p < 0.001), information transparency (β = 0.354, p < 0.001), and financial health (β = 0.238, p < 0.001). Digital capabilities significantly affected financial risk reduction (β = 0.386, p < 0.001), information transparency (β = 0.512, p < 0.001), and financial health (β = 0.194, p = 0.001). Information transparency (β = 0.448, p < 0.001) and financial risk reduction (β = 0.562, p < 0.001) significantly improved financial health. Digital maturity significantly moderated the effect of digital capabilities on financial risk reduction (β = 0.215, p = 0.002). All indirect effects through transparency and risk reduction were significant. The model explained 58.4% of the variance in financial risk reduction, 61.2% in information transparency, and 74.1% in financial health. Integrated quality management, compliance with international standards, digital capabilities, and intelligent systems enhance financial health primarily by improving information transparency and reducing financial risks, particularly in organizations with greater digital maturity.