Does Digital Competence Really Matter? The Impact of Attitude and ICT on Research Performance
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| Title: | Does Digital Competence Really Matter? The Impact of Attitude and ICT on Research Performance |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Shiva Rani (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 2026 18(4):1125-1147. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 23 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Researchers, Information Technology, Computer Mediated Communication, Research, Higher Education, Digital Literacy, Innovation, Foreign Countries, Attitudes, Interpersonal Competence, Thinking Skills, Skill Development, Performance, Universities |
| Geographic Terms: | India |
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-07-2024-0351 |
| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study assesses the effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage, knowledge and attitude on Digital Competence (DC). It further explores the role of DC in enhancing research and innovation performance in higher education. Design/methodology/approach: A survey involving faculties and full-time research scholars from different institutes and universities was conducted. The study utilized Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data and test the hypotheses. The study used Smart PLS 4.0 software to employ the PLS-SEM approach. Findings: The study found that the attitudes of researchers and ICT usage positively affect their DC. Moreover, DC significantly mediates the relationship between researchers' attitudes, ICT and research performance, demonstrating that improved DC can enhance research outcomes among faculties and research scholars. Originality/value: This research contributes to the limited literature on DC among faculties and research scholars. It provides valuable insights into how attitudes and ICT usage can influence DC and research performance. The findings emphasize the need for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop robust digital infrastructures and training programs to support the DC of their faculties and scholars. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507647 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study assesses the effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage, knowledge and attitude on Digital Competence (DC). It further explores the role of DC in enhancing research and innovation performance in higher education. Design/methodology/approach: A survey involving faculties and full-time research scholars from different institutes and universities was conducted. The study utilized Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data and test the hypotheses. The study used Smart PLS 4.0 software to employ the PLS-SEM approach. Findings: The study found that the attitudes of researchers and ICT usage positively affect their DC. Moreover, DC significantly mediates the relationship between researchers' attitudes, ICT and research performance, demonstrating that improved DC can enhance research outcomes among faculties and research scholars. Originality/value: This research contributes to the limited literature on DC among faculties and research scholars. It provides valuable insights into how attitudes and ICT usage can influence DC and research performance. The findings emphasize the need for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop robust digital infrastructures and training programs to support the DC of their faculties and scholars. |
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| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-07-2024-0351 |
