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A study on the relationship between digital leadership, digital self-efficacy, and work engagement: the moderating role of technostress

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: With the rapid development of emerging technologies, organizations are experiencing a profound digital transformation. However, in this high-pressure context, employees frequently experience technostress, which may diminish the positive influence of leadership. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study constructs a mediation model linking digital leadership, digital self-efficacy, and work engagement, while incorporating technostress as a moderating variable. Methods: Using a two-wave time-lagged design, this study collected survey data from 352 employees across multiple companies in China. Results: (1) digital leadership significantly enhances employee work engagement, (2) digital self-efficacy partially mediates this association, and (3) the positive influence of digital leadership on digital self-efficacy is substantially weakened under high technostress. Discussion: These findings extend the applicability of COR theory to digital contexts and highlight the boundary role of technostress.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1751207

Authors: Jingke Li, Yongkang Wang, Joongoo Han

Institution: Kangnam University

Language: English

Topic: Technostress in Professional Settings

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801