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Economic Sustainable Development through Digital Skills Acquisition: The Role of Human Resource Leadership

Author

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  • Ioannis Zervas

    (Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Emmanouil Stiakakis

    (Department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital environment, organizations face increasing pressure to adapt to technological advancements while ensuring long-term sustainability. This study was motivated by the critical need to understand how human resource (HR) leadership can effectively foster digital skills development to drive economic sustainable development. Recognizing that digital competencies are now essential for organizational resilience and competitiveness, this research explores the interplay between HR leadership, digital skills acquisition, and economic sustainable development. This study employed the SERVQUAL tool to assess gaps between employee expectations and perceptions across key demographic variables, including age, education level, and employment status. Data collected from 476 participants across several European Union countries underscore the significant influence of demographic factors on these perceptions. The findings reveal a high alignment between employee expectations and perceptions, reflecting the importance of HR leadership in bridging the digital skills gap. Moreover, this study highlights the necessity of integrating HR leadership practices to ensure that digital transformation contributes not only to immediate organizational goals but also to long-term economic sustainable development. This research provides valuable insights into the role of HR leadership in navigating the challenges of the digital era, ultimately offering a framework for fostering a skilled, adaptable, and sustainably oriented workforce.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioannis Zervas & Emmanouil Stiakakis, 2024. "Economic Sustainable Development through Digital Skills Acquisition: The Role of Human Resource Leadership," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-25, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7664-:d:1470763
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    1. I Gede Nyoman Mindra Jaya & Said Mirza Pahlevi & Argasi Susenna & Lidya Agustina & Dita Kusumasari & Yan Andriariza Ambhita Sukma & Dewi Hernikawati & Anggi Afifah Rahmi & Anindya Apriliyanti Pravitas, 2024. "Framework for Monitoring the Spatiotemporal Distribution and Clustering of the Digital Society Index of Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-23, December.
    2. Wei Li & Jun Zhang & Xiaojie Guo & Yang Zhou & Fan Yang & Ruilin Li, 2024. "Digitally Driven Urban Governance: Framework and Evaluation in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-22, November.
    3. Xuming Zhang & Ping Wang & Ling Peng, 2024. "Developing a Competency Model for Human Resource Directors (HRDs) in Exponential Organizations Undergoing Digital Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Kyriaki Aravidou & Sotiria Triantari & Ioannis Zervas, 2025. "Sustainable Leadership and Conflict Management: Insights from Greece’s Public Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-25, March.
    5. Ewa Chomać-Pierzecka & Stefan Dyrka & Andrzej Kokiel & Edward Urbańczyk, 2024. "Sustainable HR and Employee Psychological Well-Being in Shaping the Performance of a Business," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-17, December.

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