Interplay of Knowledge based Capabilities towards Employee Engagement: A Moderated-mediated Study of Digital Transformation of Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan

Authors

  • Mahnoor Iqbal MS Scholar, Institute of Management Sciences. The Women University, Multan
  • Malka Liaquat Assistant Professor, Institute of Management Science, The Women University, Multan
  • Ghina Ahmed Visiting Lecturer, Institute of Management Science, The Women University, Multan
  • Iram Iqbal Visiting Lecturer, Institute of Management Science, The Women University, Multan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47067/ramss.v9i1.606

Keywords:

Knowledge-based capabilities (KBC), Organizational Culture (OC), Digital Transformation (DT), Employee Engagement (EE), Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Organizations today are working on new imperatives of SDG4 and SDG8 that aim to fulfill the needs of a digitally equipped and proficient workforce for enhancing productivity and serving the dynamic needs of the contemporary digital era. This study aims to develop a clear understanding of the new organizational digital needs by examining the relationship impact of Knowledge-based capabilities, Organizational culture, and Digital transformation on Employee engagement in the Pakistan higher education system. SEM analysis was performed to test the direct and indirect relationships between variables. Data consisted of 464 academics and non–academic staff members of Pakistani universities. Results show a strong and direct impact of Knowledge-based capabilities on employee engagement. Digital transformation also positively influences and improves employee engagement. Organizational culture is a strong predictor of Digital transformation, but the direct relationship with employee engagement is weak. The results obtained from this study provide a clear framework for higher education institutions in Pakistan through the strategic cultivation of knowledge-based capabilities of employees with the support of organizational culture, in a digitally transformed era, in order to enhance Employee engagement. For strengthening the performance of higher education institutes of Pakistan, this study has developed a unique framework that integrates the complex relationship between knowledge-based capabilities, organizational culture, digital transformation, and employee engagement of academic and non-academic staff.

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Published

2026-02-24

How to Cite

Iqbal, M., Liaquat, M., Ahmed, G. ., & Iqbal, I. . (2026). Interplay of Knowledge based Capabilities towards Employee Engagement: A Moderated-mediated Study of Digital Transformation of Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan. Review of Applied Management and Social Sciences, 9(1), 39-56. https://doi.org/10.47067/ramss.v9i1.606

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