Perceived environmental uncertainty and job involvement: the mediating role of digital technology and organizational trust - a cross-sectional study in primary care facilities in the UK.

BACKGROUND

Digital maturity can help primary care facilities enhance their processes, communication, and adaptability to change, thereby fostering trust and job involvement. This study aimed to examine the causal relationships between perceived environmental uncertainty, digital maturity, organizational trust, and job involvement among managers of primary care facilities in the UK. The researchers applied socio-technical theory to examine the consequences of technology implementation on work practices and utilized contingency theory to ensure long-term stability in primary care facilities.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the second quarter of 2023, surveying 200 managers from primary care facilities in the UK. The survey was conducted using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method based on a purchased panel of respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

The results showed that perceived environmental uncertainty moderately impacts digital maturity. A greater level of perceived environmental uncertainty is related to greater organizational digital maturity, although perceived environmental uncertainty explains only 15.0% of the variance in digital maturity. The analysis also showed that the impact of digital maturity on organizational trust is positive, significant, and strong, while its impact on job involvement is positive and significant but rather moderate. Moreover, digital maturity mediates the relationship between environmental uncertainty and job involvement among managers of primary care facilities. The weakest link in the model is the connection between organizational trust and job involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis showed that digital maturity is key in shaping organizational trust in primary care facilities and job involvement among their managers. As organizations progress in their digital capabilities, they are better positioned to cultivate trust within their structures. The results of this research contribute to the literature on human resource management in the healthcare sector by deepening knowledge about the impact of environmental uncertainty and digital transformation on organizational trust and job involvement. This study provides important policy information for managers who seek tools to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental uncertainty and want to increase job involvement within primary care facilities.