arbiter
JournalsAccount

Human-centered digital transformation: managing technostress and engaging neurodivergent employees

Owais Nazir et al.

Journal of Organizational Effectiveness2026https://doi.org/10.1108/joepp-10-2025-0971article
AJG 2ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Purpose This study investigates how digital transformation influences technological self-efficacy, employee well-being, and engagement among neurodivergent employees, while also examining the moderating effect of technostress. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 322 neurodivergent employees working in digitally oriented organizations in Saudi Arabia. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4.0 was employed to test the hypothesized relationships and moderation effects. Findings Results reveal that digital transformation positively influences technological self-efficacy, well-being, and engagement. Technological self-efficacy and well-being also positively affect employee engagement. Results further reveal that technostress negatively moderates these relationships, weakening the positive impact of digital transformation on both well-being and engagement. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of human-centered digital transformation strategies that prioritize accessibility, psychological safety, and inclusive technology design. Managers should proactively monitor technostress, provide digital training, and create peer support systems to ensure that technological change enhances rather than depletes employee resources. Originality/value This study integrates Conservation of Resources theory with the neurodiversity–digital transformation interface. By drawing on evidence from an underexplored Middle Eastern context, it advances understanding of how digital transformation operates as both a resource-enabling and resource-depleting force, offering a nuanced framework for managing inclusion, well-being, and engagement in digitally transforming workplaces.

Open via your library →

Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/joepp-10-2025-0971

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{owais2026,
  title        = {{Human-centered digital transformation: managing technostress and engaging neurodivergent employees}},
  author       = {Owais Nazir et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Organizational Effectiveness},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/joepp-10-2025-0971},
}

Paste directly into BibTeX, Zotero, or your reference manager.

Flag this paper

Human-centered digital transformation: managing technostress and engaging neurodivergent employees

Flags are reviewed by the Arbiter methodology team within 5 business days.

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

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.