Digital Competences in the Workplace:: Theory, Terminology, and Training

In this chapter, the authors argue that, in spite of the central role of digital systems in today's work environment, the key concepts around the use of digital systems, particularly in the work context, are still insufficiently researched. Three research questions (RQ) are explored: RQ1 looks at the concept of digital competences as a whole (objective and subjective competence belief) with the aim of differentiating between the two in the workplace and gaining an understanding of what they comprise; RQ2 examines how both competence beliefs are related to the employee user reactions, namely, technostress and trust, in digital systems; and RQ3 explores how positive competence beliefs can be promoted through trainings and how effective trainings can be developed by referring to previous studies that investigated and evaluated such training approaches. Based on a review of current literature and data from this study, the authors conclude that: employees require various digital competences in order to cope with the work-related changes that digitalization brings; and this competence need makes trainings and lifelong learning more important than ever.