Assessing Digital Intelligence: Validation and Insights from a Law Enforcement Pilot Survey

Abstract

Digital transformation is integral to optimising business processes, driving greater efficiency and productivity. However, the success relies on effective knowledge management, which ensures that organisational knowledge is harnessed and applied throughout the transformation journey. Digital transformation fundamentally reshapes how organisations operate, demanding not only new technological tools but also new competences, attitudes, and a flexible working environment. As organisations adopt digital technologies, they must develop and manage digital competencies across. Knowledge management systems become essential for capturing, sharing, and updating this rapidly evolving knowledge base, ensuring that workforces can access the latest digital innovations. Digital intelligence is a comprehensive concept that encompasses digital competence— confident and responsible use of digital technologies—and a positive digital attitude, which influences how individuals engage with these technologies. These elements form a holistic understanding of digital intelligence, enabling individuals to effectively navigate and contribute to the digital landscape. An eight-dimensional model served as the measurement tool in our Digital Intelligence pilot study. The initial quantitative phase of scale validation centered on one of the Hungarian Law Enforcement Organisation, facilitating subsequent measurements on the same cohort. In 2024, the online pilot survey was conducted using the LimeSurvey system. The questionnaire is completed by employees of the chosen Hungarian Law Enforcement Organisation in Hungary (n=180). The aim of the research is to evaluate the level of Digital Intelligence within the participants by establishing a comprehensive assessment framework, and analysing the differences in Digital Intelligence across various groups based upon individual characteristics. Each dimension was evaluated using nine statements (3 attitudes, 3 skills, 3 knowledge), assessed across three levels (basic, advanced, and expert). Correlation analysis indicated a strong relationship between the model components, suggesting the instrument's ability to measure digital intelligence as a cohesive and multifaceted construct. Among the target group, age showed no correlation with digital intelligence. Paired t-tests revealed the largest discrepancies in digital dialogue (interacting with others in the digital space) and digital literacy (evaluating, synthesising, and adapting information in the digital space). The scoring mechanism indicated that at least half of the respondents scored in the advanced category across all eight dimensions.