Digital Divide in Remote Work among Employees and Organizational Effectiveness in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

The study grounded in Technology Acceptance Model utilized a descriptive research design to investigate the impact of digital divide among employees engaged in remote work and organizational effectiveness in South-South Nigeria. The population of the study comprised employees working remotely in various organizations across the South-South region of Nigeria. A sample size of sixty-three (63) employees was selected from the study's population using stratified random sampling to ensure fairness in representation across different organizational sizes and sectors within the South-South region. One self-structured questionnaires was used for data collection: the "Digital Divide for Remote Work Employees and Organizational Effectiveness in South-South Nigeria (DDRWEOESSN)". The validity and reliability of the instruments was ensured through expert validation and pilot testing. The reliability index was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, and an index of .852 was realized indicating high internal consistency. Descriptive statistics: mean and standard deviation, were calculated to answer the research questions. Mean scores provided insights into the average level of digital divide, while standard deviation indicated the variability of responses within the sample. One-way analysis of variance was employed to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The ANOVA Analysis models were constructed to examine the impact between the independent variable (digital divide) and the dependent variables (organizational effectiveness), with the ANOVA coefficients indicating the strength and direction of the impact. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical software. The findings reveal significant difference in access to digital technology among employees engaged in remote work, with some employees facing challenges such as limited internet connectivity and access to reliable devices. However, the study also identifies strategies employed by organizations to mitigate the digital divide, including digital skills training, investment in technology infrastructure, and flexible work arrangements. In conclusion, addressing the digital divide not only enhances organizational effectiveness but also contributes to broader societal goals such as economic development and social inclusion. Moving forward, continued efforts are needed to monitor and evaluate progress in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that remote work remains accessible and beneficial for all employees in South-South Nigeria.