Sustainable remote work market : diagnosis of digital IT, information and functional competences in the aspect of equal opportunities

Abstract

PURPOSE: The article attempts to diagnose digital competencies to provide equal opportunities in the small work market. The present paper employs the results of research from the project conducted by the same authors.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was conducted in 2021 on a random sample of 649 adult Poles. The method used in the study was CAWI. In the first stage of the analysis, based on the conducted research, attempts were made to establish which variables affect digital competencies (specifically, IT, information, and functional competencies). For this purpose, a structural model was estimated using the maximum likelihood method.

FINDINGS: A thorough analysis of the literature on the topic and the studies demonstrate a close correlation between the strength of influence between endogenous variables, i.e., the discussed competencies.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research results clearly show that only by maintaining the balance between the specified digital competencies can a smooth functioning of a sustainable remote work market be ensured. Additionally, increasing IT competencies should result in higher digital competencies, and increasing functional competencies will automatically translate into increasing information competencies. Therefore, a good practice would be to monitor digital competencies essential to the use of digital media for professional purposes and organize training for employees from different generations.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A set of endogenous variables that affect digital competencies (specifically, IT, information, and functional competencies) was identified, and the strength of influence between endogenous variables was shown.