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Activating Agency Among Digital Nomads for Social Change Using Divergence Approach

Tin Van Doan et al.

Journal of Travel Research2026https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875261424441article
AJG 4ABDC A*
Weight
0.50

What the paper says

Digital nomadism is rapidly reshaping global mobility and technology-enabled forms of work, generating both new opportunities and complex social, economic, and sustainability challenges for host communities. This study examines the role of agency activation in digital nomadism, focusing on how transient professionals navigate institutional constraints, engage with local communities, and contribute to or disrupt sustainable development and social change. Grounded in Agency Theory and informed by concepts of bounded agency, the research analyses the interaction between individual autonomy, institutional conditions, and socio-cultural dynamics. Using a participatory action research approach, the study investigates an Australian digital nomad community in Southeast Asia, where a co-working space was established as a hub for cross-cultural collaboration and skill-sharing, and community engagement. Data were collected through focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and field observations, and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal four interconnected dimensions of agency activation: community integration, cultural exchange, socio-economic impacts, and ethical engagement. While digital nomads contribute through knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship support, and inclusive community initiatives, they also inadvertently intensify gentrification, cultural commodification, and social inequalities. The study advances debates on sustainable digital nomadism by linking theoretical insights with practical implications. It calls for balanced regulatory frameworks, ethical engagement strategies, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure digital nomadism supports inclusive and socially responsible development.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875261424441

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@article{tin2026,
  title        = {{Activating Agency Among Digital Nomads for Social Change Using Divergence Approach}},
  author       = {Tin Van Doan et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Travel Research},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875261424441},
}

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Activating Agency Among Digital Nomads for Social Change Using Divergence Approach

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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