Good tools are essential to do the job: A study of impact of digital competencies on innovative work behavior of Chinese remote work employees

This study, grounded in the Job Demands-Resources theory, explores the relationship between digital competencies (DC) and innovative work behavior (IWB), introducing e-work self-efficacy (e-SE), e-work boundary strategy (e-BS), and organizational commitment (OC) during organizational isolation to examine their internal influencing mechanisms. The study conducted two-stage online questionnaire survey to obtain a final sample of 369 remote workers in China. Hypotheses were tested with triple mediation model. The findings reveal a compound multiple mediation effect among the variables, specifically demonstrating that (1) DC positively predicts IWB, e-SE, OC, and e-BS; (2) e-SE positively predicts OC and e-BS; (3) OC positively predicts IWB; (4) e-BS positively predicts IWB. (5) In the mediation model, the direct effect of DC on IWB is significant; (6) e-SE, OC, and e-BS play a significant mediating role in the relationship between DC and IWB; (7) e-SE, OC play a significant chained mediating role in the relationship between DC and IWB; (8) e-SE, e-BS play a significant chained mediating role in the relationship between DC and IWB. This study explores the relationship between DC and IWB, shedding light on its underlying mechanisms. By delving into the behaviors of remote work employees, this research offers more effective management strategies and practical recommendations for businesses and organizations, including tailored approaches to enhance remote employee engagement, productivity, and overall well-being. Additionally, the findings will present new perspectives and research avenues for academic studies, contributing to the advancement of theoretical understanding of employee behavior in remote work settings within the digital economy era.