Human Development Index for employees in digital workplace: A conceptualization and proposed measurement

Abstract

Purpose

The Human Development Index (HDI) measures the quality of education, health, and standard of living at the macro level. This study proposes a conceptual framework of the Digital Employee Human Development Index (DE-HDI), introducing a novel construct and its measurement dimensions within the digital workplace context at the micro level.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative research design using a hermeneutic approach grounded in action theory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, enabling an in-depth interpretive analysis to develop the conceptual definition of DE-HDI and to systematically construct its key dimensions and corresponding indicators.

Findings

The findings advance a novel conceptualization of DE-HDI as a multidimensional construct encompassing digital capability, digital well-being, and digital livelihood, along with their corresponding measurement indicators.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by extending the human development paradigm to the employee level and offering a theoretically grounded framework for understanding employee development in the context of digital transformation.