Abstract: Based on the data of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2008 to 2020, this paper empirically tests the impact of executive pay gap on enterprise digital transformation and its action path. Research shows that both the internal and external pay gaps of senior executives significantly promote the digital transformation of enterprises. The conclusion is still valid after a series of endogeneity and robustness tests. The channel mechanism test shows that the executive pay gap can promote the digital transformation of enterprises by improving the radical degree of corporate strategy and enhancing the quality of internal control. The moderating effect test shows that the size of the firm and the business social capital of the executive team play a negative moderating role. This study not only enriches the literature results related to the executive pay gap and enterprise digital transformation, but also provides experience and enlightenment for enterprises to improve the executive pay system and corporate governance system in the process of digital transformation.

Key words: executive pay gap, digital transformation, strategic radicalization, internal control, TMT’s social capital