Digital Competency Dimensions and their Influence on Job Performance: Evidence from Vietnamese SMEs

This study examines the multifaceted relationship between digital competency and job performance in the context of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Amid accelerating digital transformation globally, organizations increasingly recognize digital capabilities as critical enablers of efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. Drawing upon key theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Human Capital Theory, this research identifies six dimensions of digital competency: Digital Knowledge, Digital Skills, Digital Attitude, Digital Communication, Technology Self-efficacy, and Organizational Support for Digitalization. Using a quantitative research design and data collected from 150 SME employees across diverse industries, the study applies reliability testing, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and multiple regression techniques. The empirical findings reveal that Digital Skills and Organizational Support have the most significant positive impact on job performance, while other factors contribute in varied degrees. The study enriches current academic discourse on digital capability frameworks and offers actionable implications for SME managers and policymakers in emerging markets. It highlights the urgent need for organizations to invest holistically in digital upskilling, institutional support systems, and employee adaptability to enhance workforce productivity in digitalized environments.