A Framework for Enhancing Digital Literacy in Executive Secretarial Practices

Thesis Abstract

The rapid technological advancements in organizational environments have heightened the demand for executive secretaries to possess robust digital literacy skills to effectively perform their roles, yet many practitioners face significant gaps in digital competency that hinder productivity and strategic engagement. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for enhancing digital literacy among executive secretarial professionals, addressing key challenges and fostering professional development in the digital era. The specific objectives are to (1) identify the core digital literacy competencies required for executive secretarial practices, (2) analyze existing training and development models, (3) assess the current level of digital literacy among secretaries, and (4) propose a context-sensitive, scalable framework for digital literacy enhancement. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture a holistic view of digital literacy levels and training needs. The targeted population comprises 350 executive secretaries employed across corporate organizations within the metropolitan region. A stratified random sampling technique is utilized to select a representative sample of 150 secretaries for the quantitative phase, complemented by purposive sampling for 20 key informant interviews with senior managers and training coordinators. Data collection instruments include a structured digital literacy assessment questionnaire, developed based on the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp 2.1), and semi-structured interview protocols tailored to explore training experiences and perceived barriers. Quantitative data will undergo descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to determine factors influencing digital literacy levels and to examine relationships between training exposure, organizational support, and competence development. Qualitative data will be analyzed through thematic analysis, utilizing NVivo software, to identify emergent themes related to training challenges, skill gaps, and contextual factors affecting digital literacy acquisition. The integration of findings will inform the development of a formative model grounded in the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) and Diffusion of Innovations theories, designed to facilitate tailored digital literacy interventions. Expected findings include a significant positive correlation between ongoing professional development initiatives and digital literacy levels, with organisational support and access to digital resources serving as critical mediators. The study anticipates identifying prevalent skill gaps in areas such as cybersecurity, digital communication, and information management, which impede secretarial efficiency and decision-making. Based on these insights, a structured, multi-tiered framework will be proposed, encompassing policy-level recommendations, institutional capacity-building strategies, and individual competency development modules. This research contributes novel insights into the integration of digital literacy frameworks within secretarial practices, filling a notable gap in existing literature that primarily emphasizes generic digital competencies without contextual adaptation. The proposed model offers a practical, evidence-based tool for organizations aiming to elevate secretarial digital proficiency, thereby improving organizational agility and administrative effectiveness. The main conclusions emphasize the importance of continuous training, organizational commitment, and context-aware frameworks for sustained digital literacy growth. The study recommends the implementation of targeted professional development programs, integration of digital literacy into organizational policies, and further research to adapt the framework to diverse industry contexts and emerging digital tools, ensuring its scalability and relevance in dynamic organizational landscapes.