TAM-ECM Integration in Digital Transformation and Port Employee Performance: A Bibliometric Systematic Review

Abstract

Digital transformation in port operations requires rapid technology adoption, yet its effects from initial acceptance to continued use and employee performance remain theoretically fragmented. This study aims to identify research trends, map intellectual structures and thematic clusters, and identify research gaps to develop an integrative Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)-Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM) framework linking digital transformation, technology acceptance, continuous use, and employee performance in the port, maritime, and logistics sectors. This Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review (B-SLR) integrates TAM and ECM in maritime logistics using Scopus data, with a Macro Pool (n = 451) analyzed via VOSviewer and a Micro Pool (n = 35) synthesized via RStudio. Bibliometric co-occurrence and coupling analyses identify key thematic clusters bridging initial adoption and long-term work routine stabilization. The qualitative synthesis reveals that digital transformation does not automatically translate into performance gains; instead, it is heavily mediated by individual cognitive and behavioral variables. The main findings show that TAM serves as an initial cognitive gateway shaping perceived usefulness and ease of use, while ECM acts as a continuance bridge driven by expectation confirmation and user satisfaction. This review addresses remaining theoretical gaps by proposing a sequential TAM-ECM conceptual framework specifically designed to evaluate port employee performance.