Perceived environmental uncertainty and digital maturity in primary healthcare facilities in the UK: implications for job satisfaction and organizational trust

Purpose This study aims to examine the perceived environmental uncertainty of primary care managers in the UK and its impact on the digital maturity of primary care facilities as well as the connection between digital maturity, managerial job satisfaction and organizational trust. Design/methodology/approach We conducted the study in the second quarter of 2023, surveying 200 managers from primary healthcare facilities in the UK. We conducted the survey using the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method based on a purchased panel of respondents. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings Perceived environmental uncertainty significantly and positively influences digital maturity. Furthermore, we observed a positive relationship between digital maturity and managerial job satisfaction as well as between managerial job satisfaction and organizational trust. Organizational trust results from the direct impact of managers’ satisfaction and the level of an organization’s digital maturity as well as from the indirect impact of digital maturity and perceived environmental uncertainty. Originality/value The study expands the existing knowledge in contingency theory by emphasizing the substantial influence of trust on an organization’s long-term stability and the well-being of its members. Moreover, it underscores the significant impact of digital maturity on managers’ job satisfaction and organizational trust, as outlined in sociotechnical theory.