Employees ICT self-efficacy and uncertainty in the context of digital transformation: Perspective of three generational cohorts

Abstract

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of digital transformation by focusing on the human side of this phenomenon and providing insights into employees’ perceptions of uncertainty and opportunities concerning DT. The theoretical framework builds on theories of communication and uncertainty management, and generational cohorts. A questionnaire survey of 1,000 respondents was conducted via a national online. Using statistical linear modelling, the dependence of ICT self-efficacy on generation, the dependence of employees’ DT uncertainty on ICT self-efficacy and generation, and the relationship of employees’ perceived DT opportunity to their DT uncertainty and generation were verified. With the exception of ICT self-efficacy, the results show that the differences among generations are blurring. Further, findings indicate the influence of education on ICT self-efficacy, the influence of gender and type of work on employees’ ICT self-efficacy and perceived opportunities, and the influence of the economic sector on uncertainty and perceived opportunities. This study provides useful information for employers to implement appropriate human resource management strategies for successful DT.