Engagement by Design: Exploring the Human Side of Digital Transformation Across Regions

Authors

  • Nursaid Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember
  • Nurul Qomariah Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61978/novatio.v3i4.857

Keywords:

Employee Engagement, Digital Transformation, Self-Efficacy, Technostress, Adaptive Leadership, Human Centered Design

Abstract

This study explores the human dimension of digital transformation by examining what drives and hinders employee engagement across regions. Using a mixed method approach, the research investigates psychological factors such as self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and technostress and the role of adaptive leadership and human-centered design. The findings reveal regional disparities in engagement, with South Asia showing the most positive outcomes due to supportive policies and cultural cohesion. Self-efficacy and conscientiousness strengthen engagement, while technostress remains a major barrier. Adaptive leadership proves critical in sustaining engagement during organizational change, and human-centered frameworks such as the HOPE model enhance both well-being and efficiency. Overall, the study concludes that sustainable digital transformation requires an integrated approach that blends psychology, leadership, inclusive design, and alignment with local policies.

References

Ajibola, K. S., Mukulu, E., & Simiyu, A. (2019). Performance Appraisal and Employee Engagement: Does Tenure Matters? Evidence From South-West Nigeria. Quest Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 1(2), 146–164. https://doi.org/10.3126/qjmss.v1i2.27415 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/qjmss.v1i2.27415

Alafi, K. K. (2024). Effect of Business Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Digital Leadership on Employee Satisfaction Within the Commercial Banking Sector in Jordan. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v14-i1/20481 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v14-i1/20481

Alamri, M. (2023). Transformational Leadership and Work Engagement in Public Organizations: Promotion Focus And public Service Motivation, How and When the Effect Occurs. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 44(1), 137–155. https://doi.org/10.1108/lodj-12-2021-0544 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-12-2021-0544

Alfehaid, M. M., Hassan, T. H., ALFISAL, A. A., SALEH, M. I., BUMBAK, S. V., & Helal, M. Y. (2024). Post-Pandemic Digital Transformation: Mitigating Technostress and Increasing Well-Being in the Hospitality Industry via the Person-Technology Fit Model. Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites, 53(2), 388–399. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.53202-1214 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.53202-1214

Al-kharabsheh, S. A., Attiany, M. S., Alshawabkeh, R., Hamadneh, S., & Alshurideh, M. T. (2023). The Impact of Digital HRM on Employee Performance Through Employee Motivation. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 7(1), 275–282. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.ijdns.2022.10.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5267/j.ijdns.2022.10.006

Alnuaimi, Y. M. A. (2022). Impacts of Workplace Factors on Employee Engagement in the Public Sector. European Journal of Marketing and Economics, 5(1), 57–70. https://doi.org/10.26417/969ouv25 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26417/969ouv25

Amanda, M. (2021). Optimization of River Transport Services Using the Minimum Transportation Standard Reference to Improve Community Satisfaction. Kne Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v5i1.8284 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v5i1.8284

Annemiek H. T. Van der Schaft, Lub, X., Heijden, B. v. d., & Solinger, O. (2022). How Employees Experience Digital Transformation: A Dynamic and Multi-Layered Sensemaking Perspective. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 48(5), 803–820. https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480221123098 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480221123098

Baškarada, S., & Koronios, A. (2018). A Philosophical Discussion of Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Research in Social Science. Qualitative Research Journal, 18(1), 2–21. https://doi.org/10.1108/qrj-d-17-00042 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-D-17-00042

Bobina, M., & Sabotinova, D. (2022). Organizational Leadership and Culture in Bulgaria. Journal of Leadership Accountability and Ethics, 19(4). https://doi.org/10.33423/jlae.v19i4.5724 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33423/jlae.v19i4.5724

Delarosa, St. V., & Winarno, W. (2024). The Influence of Organizational Culture and Teamwork on Employee Engagement: The Role of Achievement Motivation as Mediation. Indikator Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen Dan Bisnis, 8(2), 51. https://doi.org/10.22441/indikator.v8i2.24472 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22441/indikator.v8i2.24472

Dong, M., Choi, Y., Ma, P., Cai, H., & Cui, L. (2024). Employee Ownership and Firm Digital Transformation. British Journal of Management, 36(2), 511–528. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.12870 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.12870

ElMassah, S., Bacheer, S. M., & James, R. (2020). What Shapes Students’ Perceptions of Group Work: Personality or Past Experience? International Journal of Educational Management, 34(9), 1457–1473. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijem-11-2019-0401 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-11-2019-0401

Farndale, E. (2017). Two-Country Study of Engagement, Supervisors and Performance Appraisal. Journal of Asia Business Studies, 11(3), 342–362. https://doi.org/10.1108/jabs-07-2015-0105 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-07-2015-0105

Fu, J., Ding, Y., Nie, K., & Zaigham, G. H. K. (2023). How Does Self-Efficacy, Learner Personality, and Learner Anxiety Affect Critical Thinking of Students. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1289594 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1289594

Hamid, R. A. (2022). The Role of Employees’ Technology Readiness, Job Meaningfulness and Proactive Personality in Adaptive Performance. Sustainability, 14(23), 15696. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315696 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315696

He, Y., Tanaka, A., Kishi, T., Li, Y., Matsunaga, M., Tanihara, S., Iwata, N., & Ota, A. (2022). Recent Findings on Subjective Well‐being and Physical, Psychiatric, and Social Comorbidities in Individuals With Schizophrenia: A Literature Review. Neuropsychopharmacology Reports, 42(4), 430–436. https://doi.org/10.1002/npr2.12286 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/npr2.12286

Humairoh, H., & Wardoyo, W. (2017). Analisis Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi Terhadap Employee Engagement Dengan Kepuasan Kerja Sebagai Variabel Intervening. Ultima Management Jurnal Ilmu Manajemen, 9(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.31937/manajemen.v9i1.594 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31937/manajemen.v9i1.594

Kulkarni, P. M., Mutkekar, R. R., & Ingalagi, S. (2020). Role of Strategic Management for Employee Engagement and Skill Development for Start-Ups. Vilakshan – Ximb Journal of Management, 17(1/2), 79–95. https://doi.org/10.1108/xjm-07-2020-0036 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/XJM-07-2020-0036

Kumar, P., & Padhi, N. (2021). Development and Validation of Multi-Factor Employee Engagement Measuring Instrument: A Formative Measurement Model. Personnel Review, 51(9), 2261–2276. https://doi.org/10.1108/pr-01-2021-0014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-01-2021-0014

Lakeman-Fraser, P., Gosling, L., Moffat, A., West, S., Fradera, R., Davies, L., Ayamba, M. A., & Wal, R. v. d. (2016). To Have Your Citizen Science Cake and Eat It? Delivering Research and Outreach Through Open Air Laboratories (OPAL). BMC Ecology, 16(S1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12898-016-0065-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12898-016-0065-0

Li, C., & Jiang, M. (2024). Research on the Impact of Enterprise Digital Transformation on Work Engagement of Knowledge Employees. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.8-12-2023.2344467 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.8-12-2023.2344467

Liu, F., & Khong-Khai, S. (2024). A Comparative Study of Transactional and Transformational Leadership in the Context of the Digital Economy. Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 59(2). https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.59.2.31 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.59.2.31

Liu, Y.-D. (2017). Event and Community Development: Planning Legacy for the 2008 European Capital of Culture, Liverpool. Urban Science, 1(4), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci1040039 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci1040039

Magno, F., Cassia, F., & Ringle, C. M. (2022). A Brief Review of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Use in Quality Management Studies. The TQM Journal, 36(5), 1242–1251. https://doi.org/10.1108/tqm-06-2022-0197 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-06-2022-0197

Maisoni, H., Yasri, Y., & Abror, A. (2019). Effect of Organizational Culture, Leadership and Compensation on Employee Engagement in Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia Central Sumatra. https://doi.org/10.2991/piceeba2-18.2019.73 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/piceeba2-18.2019.73

Manjaree, H. M. S., & Perera, D. (2021). Determinants of Employee Engagement During COVID 19 Pandemic (Case of Sri Lanka Technological Campus). International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 05(07), 773–778. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2021.5743 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2021.5743

Mei-rong, Z., & Ding, W. (2024). Empowering Employees for Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Enterprises: A Case Study. South African Journal of Business Management, 55(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v55i1.4207 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v55i1.4207

Miawati, T., Notosudjono, D., & Sunaryo, W. (2022). Factors Affecting Health Workers’ Engagement in Public Hospital. JHSS (Journal of Humanities and Social Studies), 6(3), 306–309. https://doi.org/10.33751/jhss.v6i3.6217 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33751/jhss.v6i3.6217

Mitra, A., Bond, M. H., Lu, Q., Guay, R. P., & Shaw, J. D. (2021). Work and Nonwork Engagements Between Life Domains: Effects on Subjective Health and Life Satisfaction of Employees Across 53 Nations Varying in Economic Competitiveness. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 21(2), 331–352. https://doi.org/10.1177/14705958211034052 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14705958211034052

Nazneen, A., Miralam, M. S., & Qazi, S. (2018). Impact of Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture in High Performing Accredited University of Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting, 8(4), 180. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijafr.v8i4.13864 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijafr.v8i4.13864

Nekula, P., & Koob, C. (2021). Associations Between Culture of Health and Employee Engagement in Social Enterprises: A Cross-Sectional Study. Plos One, 16(1), e0245276. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245276 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245276

Nilasari, B. M., Muhidin, S., & Prasetyo, D. D. (2022). The Fact of How Leaders Influence on Employee Creativity in Indonesia. Journal of Leadership in Organizations, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.22146/jlo.72941 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/jlo.72941

Nugraha, K. W., Noermijati, N., & Suryadi, N. (2022). The Role of Engagement Leadership and Motivation in Pharmaceutical Companies During Pandemic Covid-19. Jurnal Manajemen Industri Dan Logistik, 6(1), 132–148. https://doi.org/10.30988/jmil.v6i1.1033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30988/jmil.v6i1.1033

Obermayer, N., Csizmadia, T., Banász, Z., & Purnhauser, P. (2023). Importance of Digital and Soft Skills in the Digital Age. European Conference on Knowledge Management, 24(2), 978–987. https://doi.org/10.34190/eckm.24.2.1550 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34190/eckm.24.2.1550

Othman, M. Z., Idris, N., Ismail, I., & Hasan, H. F. A. (2021). Organisational Practices and Employee Engagement: A Case of a Malaysia Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. International Journal of Academic Research in Economics and Management Sciences, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarems/v10-i3/11055 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/IJAREMS/v10-i3/11055

Ouakouak, M. L., Zaitouni, M., & Arya, B. (2020). Ethical Leadership, Emotional Leadership, and Quitting Intentions in Public Organizations. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 41(2), 257–279. https://doi.org/10.1108/lodj-05-2019-0206 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-05-2019-0206

Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Mitchell, R., & Gudergan, S. P. (2018). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling in HRM Research. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(12), 1617–1643. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2017.1416655 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2017.1416655

ROOPENDRA, S., & RASHMI, V. (2021). The Moderating Effect of Gender and Marital Status on the Influence of Employee Engagement Towards Employee Performance in State Bank of India, Raipur Region, Chhattisgarh. Jemm, 7(2), 56–62. https://doi.org/10.46632/7/2/5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46632/7/2/5

Rupp, D. E., Shao, R., Skarlicki, D. P., Paddock, E. L., Kim, T., & Nadisic, T. (2018). Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Engagement: The Moderating Role of CSR‐specific Relative Autonomy and Individualism. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 39(5), 559–579. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2282 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2282

Schneider, B., Yost, A. B., Kropp, A., Kind, C., & Lam, H. (2017). Workforce Engagement: What It Is, What Drives It, and Why It Matters for Organizational Performance. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 39(4), 462–480. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2244 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2244

Sharma, P., & Choudhury, M. (2023). Business School Interns’ Intention to Join: Studying Culture, Work Engagement and Leader-Member Exchange in Virtual Internship. Higher Education Skills and Work-Based Learning, 13(2), 371–386. https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-03-2022-0075 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-03-2022-0075

Snyder, K., Ingelsson, P., & Bäckström, I. (2018). Using Design Thinking to Support Value-Based Leadership for Sustainable Quality Development. Business Process Management Journal, 24(6), 1289–1301. https://doi.org/10.1108/bpmj-02-2018-0045 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-02-2018-0045

So, B. H., Kim, J. H., Ro, Y. J., & Song, J. H. (2021). Developing a Measurement Scale for Employee Engagement: A Validation Study in a South Korean Context. European Journal of Training and Development, 46(5/6), 585–606. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejtd-11-2020-0155 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-11-2020-0155

Søilen, K. S., & Benhayoun-Sadafiyine, L. (2021). Household Acceptance of Central Bank Digital Currency: The Role of Institutional Trust. The International Journal of Bank Marketing, 40(1), 172–196. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbm-04-2021-0156 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-04-2021-0156

Suyuti, H., & Setyanto, A. (2023). The Use of Augmented Reality Technology in Preserving Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of Old Jami Mosque of Palopo. Ceddi Journal of Information System and Technology (Jst), 2(1), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.56134/jst.v2i1.35 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56134/jst.v2i1.35

Tentama, F., & Subardjo, S. (2022). Confirmatory Factor Analysis on Educational Employees Engagement (Structural Equation Modeling Analysis). Journal of Educational Health and Community Psychology, 11(3), 550. https://doi.org/10.12928/jehcp.v11i3.9731 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12928/jehcp.v11i3.9731

Trenerry, B., Chng, S., Wang, Y., Suhaila, Z. S., Lim, S. S., Lu, H., & Oh, P. H. (2021). Preparing Workplaces for Digital Transformation: An Integrative Review and Framework of Multi-Level Factors. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620766 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620766

Widodo, S. D., Rubiyanti, N., Widodo, A., & Silvianita, A. (2024). The Role of Digital Transformation in Improving Employee Performance. Journal of International Conference Proceedings, 7(1), 109–118. https://doi.org/10.32535/jicp.v7i1.3181 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32535/jicp.v7i1.3181

Yıldız, K., Akoğlu, H. E., Emir, E., Sánchez, S. A., & García-Fernández, J. (2024). The Perceived Effect of Digital Transformation and Resultant Empowerment on Job Performance of Employees in the Fitness Family Business. Journal of Family Business Management, 15(1), 102–121. https://doi.org/10.1108/jfbm-02-2024-0038 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-02-2024-0038

Yulman, T., & Trinanda, O. (2023). Transformational Leadership on Employee Engagement: The Work Motivation as a Moderation Variable. HRMS, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.24036/hrms.v3i4.296 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24036/hrms.v3i4.296

Yunus, M., Hans, A., Yani, A. A., Sangkala, S., Nursadik, M., Susanti, G., Abdullah, M. T., & Hidayat, A. R. (2023). Unlocking the Power of Employee Engagement: Unveiling the Key Indicators in Public Sector Organizations. Jurnal Manajemen Pelayanan Publik, 7(1), 275–288. https://doi.org/10.24198/jmpp.v7i1.48894 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24198/jmpp.v7i1.48894

Zahari, H. M., Zain, R., Ismail, A., Zainol, N. A. M., Yaacob, S., & Nik Ismail Rashed Che Ali. (2025). A Framework for Humanitarian Logistics Coordination in Disaster Relief. Iop Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, 1479(1), 012061. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1479/1/012061 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1479/1/012061

Zakrzewska-Bielawska, A., Lis, A. M., & Ujwary-Gil, A. (2022). Use of Structural Equation Modeling in Quantitative Research in the Field of Management and Economics: A Bibliometric Analysis in the Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Entrepreneurship Management and Innovation, 18(2), 7–40. https://doi.org/10.7341/20221821 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7341/20221821

Zamilah, E. (2024). The Influence of Transformational Leadership , Work Environment and Digital Technology on Plant Department Employee Performance PT. Kalimantan Prima Persada. At-Tadbir Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen, 8(1), 57. https://doi.org/10.31602/atd.v8i1.13173 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31602/atd.v8i1.13173

Zhang, H., Wang, S., & Zhou, R. (2024). Corporate Digital Transformation and Rank and File Employee Satisfaction. China Accounting and Finance Review, 26(4), 485–511. https://doi.org/10.1108/cafr-08-2023-0101 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CAFR-08-2023-0101

Downloads

Published

2025-10-06

How to Cite

Nursaid, & Qomariah, N. (2025). Engagement by Design: Exploring the Human Side of Digital Transformation Across Regions. Novatio : Journal of Management Technology and Innovation , 3(4), 218–234. https://doi.org/10.61978/novatio.v3i4.857