The Dual Role of ERMS in Digital Transformation and Mental Health Outcomes: An Empirical Study of Polytechnic Staff in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the dual role of Electronic Records Management Systems (ERMS) as both a job resource and a potential job demand in the context of workplace digital transformation. Drawing on an integrated TOE and Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) framework, the study surveyed 400 academic and non-academic staff across six Nigerian polytechnics using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results revealed that ERMS practices significantly enhance workplace digitalization outcomes (β = 0.67, p < .001), which in turn positively predict work engagement and job satisfaction (β = 0.58 and 0.53, p < .001) and negatively predict stress and emotional exhaustion (β = −0.42 and −0.39, p < .05). ERMS demonstrated both a significant indirect effect (β = 0.38, 95% CI [0.25, 0.52]) and a direct effect (β = 0.21, p = .045) on employee mental health. The findings confirm the dual nature of ERMS in digital transformation, functioning primarily as a valuable job resource while potentially becoming a demand when implementation support is inadequate. This study provides important empirical evidence for human-centric digitalization strategies in resource-constrained higher education institutions in developing countries.