Impact of employee digital competence on the relationship between digital autonomy and innovative work behavior: a systematic review

Abstract

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of concern regarding employee digital competence has increased significantly. Several studies provide different surveys, but they cannot describe the relationship between digital autonomy and innovative work behaviour concerning the impact of employee digital competence. Hence, it is necessary to conduct a survey that provides a deeper understanding of these concerns and suggests a suitable study for other researchers. Using scientific publication databases and adhering to the PRISMA statement, this systematic literature review aims to offer a current overview of employee digital competence impact on the relationship between digital autonomy and innovative work behaviour from 2015 to 2022, covering definitions, research purposes, methodologies, outcomes, and limitations. When reviewing the selected articles, 18 articles were examined under relationship topics, and 12 articles reported on impact topics under different tasks. The main findings highlight the significance of digital competence and autonomy in promoting employee creativity, learning, and sharing knowledge. According to the review findings, employees with greater digital autonomy are more likely to engage in innovative work, leading to improved job performance and empowerment. Therefore, the development of digital autonomy prioritizes organizations by providing access to digital tools, training, and a supportive work environment. Overall, the current review indicates a strong positive correlation between digital autonomy, innovative work behaviour, and employee impact. This underscores the importance for organizations to not only participate in digital competence and skills, but also to create a culture that values autonomy, creativity, and innovation among its employees.