Digital transformation has become increasingly important for non-profit organizations; however, digital readiness models remain largely oriented toward corporate contexts and rarely address the unique characteristics of volunteer-based youth organizations in developing countries. This study aims to evaluate the digital readiness of members of Karang Taruna Alfatih Young Community (AYC) in Kebalen Village, Indonesia, and to develop a context-specific digital readiness model that supports community and rural economic empowerment. A qualitative case study approach was employed using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis based on the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The findings reveal that although informants demonstrated adequate operational digital literacy and high perceived usefulness of digital technologies, substantial gaps remained in creative digital literacy, digital financial literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and data management skills. Digital readiness was further influenced by organizational and psychological factors, including self-efficacy, communication confidence, collaborative culture, and digital leadership, while financial constraints, skill inequality, limited infrastructure, and management perception gaps emerged as major barriers to digital transformation. Based on these findings, the study proposes a Context-Specific Digital Readiness Model (CDRM) consisting of five interconnected dimensions: Digital Foundations, Technology Acceptance, Organizational and Psychological Readiness, Digital Capability, and Digital Empowerment Outcomes. Rather than replacing established technology acceptance perspectives, CDRM incorporates TAM as an explanatory component within a broader context-sensitive framework. The model conceptualizes digital readiness as a dynamic and socially mediated organizational capability shaped by technological, psychological, organizational, and socio-economic conditions. The study contributes to Development and Organizational Communication by demonstrating that technological access and acceptance do not automatically produce meaningful digital transformation, particularly within volunteer-based rural organizations.

Amankwah‐Amoah, J., Khan, Z., Wood, G., & Knight, G. (2021). COVID-19 and digitalization: The great acceleration. Journal of Business Research, 136, 602–611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.08.011

Anaam, E., Haw, S., Palanichamy, N., Ali, A., & Azni, S. (2023). Analysis of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use in Relation to Employee Performance. International Journal of Membrane Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.15379/ijmst.v10i2.1836

Antara News. (2026). Indonesia boosts efforts to protect children in cyberspace. https://en.antaranews.com/news/393057/indonesia-boosts-efforts-to-protect-children-in-cyberspace

Ardiansyah, A., & Yulianti. (2022). Literasi Digital pada Generasi Digital Natives. Bandung Conference Series: Communication Management. https://doi.org/10.29313/bcscm.v2i1.810

Badan Pusat Statistik. (2025). Statistik Indonesia 2025. https://www.bps.go.id/id/publication/2025/02/28/8cfe1a589ad3693396d3db9f/statistik-indonesia-2025.html

Buonocore, F., Annosi, M. C., de Gennaro, D., & Riemma, F. (2024). Digital transformation and social change: Leadership strategies for responsible innovation. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 74, 101843. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2024.101843

Bussey, K., & Bandura, A. (1999). Social Cognitive Theory of Gender Development and Differentiation. Psychological Review, 106, 676–713. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.106.4.676

Cardoso, L., & Silva, N. M. (2018). Communication, Informational Literacy and Critical Thinking. European Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 3(4), 215–220. https://doi.org/10.26417/116vrk57u

Cyfert, S., Dyduch, W., Szumowski, W., & Prause, G. (2025). Are we ready for digital transformation? The role of organizational culture, leadership and competence in building digital advantage. Central European Management Journal. https://doi.org/10.1108/cemj-11-2024-0346

Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008

Degada, A., Thapliyal, H., & Mohanty, S. (2021). Smart Village: An IoT Based Digital Transformation. https://doi.org/10.1109/WF-IoT51360.2021.9594980

Desviona, N., Masruroh, M., Dewi, L. S., & Yasin, A. (2025). Peningkatan Literasi Digital dan Analisis Data UMKM Melalui Pelatihan SPSS bagi Wirausaha Muda. KREATIF: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Nusantara. https://doi.org/10.55606/kreatif.v5i2.5815

Dimov, P. (2024). An Online Tool for Misinformation Detection: Enhancing Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills. Online Learning In Educational Research (OLER), 4, 61–69. https://doi.org/10.58524/oler.v4i2.413

Elizabeth, K., & Turyamureeba, R. (2026). The future is digital: Characterising the emerging forms of technologies for youth economic empowerment in rural communities of Uganda. East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 9(1), 317–342. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajis.9.1.4779

Fariz, & Winarsih, T. (2025). Technological innovations for superior micro, small, and medium enterprises: Transformation of youth organizations in the digital era. Ta’awun: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 5(2), 327–340. https://doi.org/10.37850/taawun.v5i02.1023

Fathoni, T., & Muqorrobin, S. (2024). Development of the creative economy of the village Karang Taruna community based on YouTubers and microstokers. Amalee: Indonesian Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 5(1), 61–74. https://doi.org/10.37680/amalee.v5i1.4591

Firman, D. (2024). Sistem Akuntansi Manajemen dan Pengambilan Keputusan UMKM: Review Literatur terhadap Efektivitas dan Kesiapan Digital. Balance : Jurnal Akuntansi Dan Manajemen. https://doi.org/10.59086/jam.v3i3.769

Florea, R., & Mesnita, G. (2025). Digital maturity assessment for non-profit youth organizations. European Finance, Regulation and Business (EUFIRE-RE 2025), 119–132.

Fuadi, D., Akhyadi, A. S., & Saripah, I. (2021). Systematic Review: Strategi Pemberdayaan Pelaku UMKM Menuju Ekonomi Digital Melalui Aksi Sosial. Diklus: Jurnal Pendidikan Luar Sekolah. https://doi.org/10.21831/diklus.v5i1.37122

Gfrerer, A., Hutter, K., Füller, J., & Ströhle, T. (2021). Ready or not: Managers’ and employees’ different perceptions of digital readiness. California Management Review, 63(2), 23–48. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125620977487

Gökalp, E., & Martinez, V. (2021). Digital transformation maturity assessment: Development of the digital transformation capability maturity model. International Journal of Production Research, 60(20), 6282–6302. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2021.1991020

González-Varona, J. M., López-Paredes, A., Pajares, J., Acebes, F., & Villafáñez, F. (2021). Building organizational competence for digital transformation. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 14(1), 15–24. https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.3279

Gusman, S. W. (2024). Development of the Indonesian Government’s Digital Transformation. Dinasti International Journal of Education Management And Social Science. https://doi.org/10.38035/dijemss.v5i5.2868

Handiman, U. T., Yuliati, Y., Adam, D., & Cahya, W. A. (2025). Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Pedesaan melalui Pemasaran Digital: Pelatihan Keterlibatan Masyarakat di Desa Cipeundeuy, Purwakarta. Jurnal Dharma Bhakti Ekuitas. https://doi.org/10.52250/p3m.v10i1.1012

Hantrais, L., Allin, P., Kritikos, M., Sogomonjan, M., Anand, P., Livingstone, S., Williams, M., & Innes, M. (2020). Covid-19 and the digital revolution. Contemporary Social Science, 16, 256–270. https://doi.org/10.1080/21582041.2020.1833234

Harida, R., Astuti, C. W., Wulandari, R. S., Mustikasari, R., & Novitasari, L. (2023). WORKSHOP UMKM: PEMASARAN BERBASIS LITERASI DIGITAL. Diseminasi: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat. https://doi.org/10.33830/diseminasiabdimas.v5i1.2908

Höyng, M., & Lau, A. (2023). Being ready for digital transformation: How to enhance employees’ intentional digital readiness. Computers in Human Behavior Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2023.100314

Hussain, M., & Papastathopoulos, A. (2022). Organizational readiness for digital financial innovation and financial resilience. International Journal of Production Economics, 243, 108326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2021.108326

Hussain, N., & Phulpoto, S. (2024). Digital Literacy: Empowering Individuals in the Digital Age. Assyfa Learning Journal. https://doi.org/10.61650/alj.v2i2.231

Kaufman, M. R., Zhou, X., Yenokyan, G., Levine, D. K., Wright, K., Salcido, M., Garringer, M., & Palen, L.-A. (2024). Exploring organizational digital readiness to offer youth e-mentoring. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 32(4), 361–376. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2024.2349013

Khoirunnisa, A. (2025). Pelatihan Manajemen Usaha dan Pemasaran Digital untuk Penguatan Kapasitas Organisasi BUMDes dalam Pengembangan Ekonomi Lokal di Desa Serang, Kecamatan Cikarang Selatan. Aksi Nyata : Jurnal Pengabdian Sosial Dan Kemanusiaan. https://doi.org/10.62383/aksinyata.v2i3.1776

Kliestik, V., Vrbka, V., & Pătraşcu, P. (2024). Digital transformation and financial performance: an empirical analysis of strategic alignment in the digital age. Journal of Economic Computation and Economic Cybernetics Studies and Research, 58(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-11-2024-0241

Li, W. Y., Nordin, N. A., & Sukor, M. S. bin M. (2026). Assessing employees readiness for digital transformation a systematic literature review. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 10(14), 233–250. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2026.1014MG0019

Machado, C G, Winroth, M., Carlsson, D., Almström, P., Centerholt, V., & Hallin, M. (2020). Maturity framework enabling organizational digital readiness. Advances in Manufacturing Technology XXXII, 649–659. https://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE200204

Machado, Carla Gonçalves, Winroth, M., Almström, P., Öberg, E., Kurdve, M., & Almashalah, S. (2021). Digital organisational readiness: experiences from manufacturing companies. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 32, 167–182. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-05-2019-0188

Maulana, R. Y., & Dečman, M. (2025). The Collaborative Digital Transformation Model—The Case of Indonesian Youth. Journal of Public Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1002/pa.70077

McCarthy, S., Pitt, H., Arnot, G., Pristov, E. J., & Thomas, S. (2024). Youth perspectives on the promotional and public relations strategies of health harming industries. Health Promotion International, 39. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daae157

Miles, M., Huberman, A., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis, A Methods Sourcebook (Tjetjep Rohindi Rohid (ed.)). Sage Publications.

Mola, M., Lodo, R., & Sene, C. (2024). PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI BERBASIS STRATEGI PEMASARAN PRODUK LOKAL SERTA PENERAPAN AKUNTANSI PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN BAGI UMKM KELOMPOK TANI NEKEMOLO, DESA BAUMATA TIMUR, KABUPATEN KUPANG, NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR. Jurnal Abdimas Bina Bangsa. https://doi.org/10.46306/jabb.v5i1.894

Nam, S. (2025). Exploring Policy Directions for Supporting Youth’s Generational Role in Shaping Future Society: Focusing on Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0 Paradigms. The K Association of Education Research. https://doi.org/10.48033/jss.10.1.24

Nurdin, A. (2014). Buku Komunikasi Kelompok dan Organisasi. Komunikasi Kelompok Dan Organisasi, 1–196.

Plekhanov, D., Franke, H., & Netland, T. H. (2023). Digital transformation: A review and research agenda. European Management Journal, 41(6), 821–844. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2022.09.007

Purnawarman, G. A., Prasetyo, A., Cantayudha, R. A., Syaharani, F. A., Yunanta, F. P. M., Syamsi, M. H. A., Larasati, A. S., Zakaria, M. F., Utami, J. P., Putri, W. A. B., & Nariswari, N. P. (2025). Transformasi Produk Lokal menjadi Usaha Bernilai Tambah. Manfaat : Jurnal Pengabdian Pada Masyarakat Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.62951/manfaat.v2i3.465

Rahimi, B., Nadri, H., Afshar, H., & Timpka, T. (2018). A Systematic Review of the Technology Acceptance Model in Health Informatics. Applied Clinical Informatics, 09, 604–634. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1668091

Rocha, C., Quandt, C., Deschamps, F., & Cruzara, G. (2024). Digital transformation readiness in large manufacturing firms: a building block model proposition. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-12-2023-0544

Rohayati, Y., & Abdillah, A. (2024). Digital Transformation for Era Society 5.0 and Resilience: Urgent Issues from Indonesia. Societies. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14120266

Santosa, L. ., & Ringo, R. P. . (2017). Manajemen Perubahan Pada Sebuah Organisasi Dengan Memanfaatkan Teknologi Informasi. Forum Ilmiah, 14(3), 267–278.

Setiadi, D., Nurhayati, S., Ansori, A., Zubaidi, M., & Amir, R. (2023). Youth’s digital literacy in the context of community empowerment in an emerging Society 5.0. Society, 11(1), 540–551. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v11i1.491

Setiawan, T., Susetyo, D., Pranajaya, E., Al, S., Sukabumi, F., & Barat, J. (2021). EDUKASI LITERASI DIGITAL : PENDAMPINGAN TRANSFORMASI DIGITAL PELAKU UMKM SUKABUMI PAKIDULAN. J-ABDI: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat. https://doi.org/10.53625/jabdi.v1i7.692

Setyawan, H., & Suhendi, C. (2025). Program peningkatan literasi digital dan literasi keuangan digital bagi anggota Karang Taruna. Dinamisia: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 9(3), 802–810. https://doi.org/10.31849/dinamisia.v9i3.23807

Staab, Philipp, & Thiel, Thorsten. (2022). Social Media and the Digital Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere. Theory, Culture & Society, 39(4), 129–143. https://doi.org/10.1177/02632764221103527

Stajkovic, A., & Luthans, F. (2002). Social cognitive theory and self-efficacy: Implications for motivation theory and practice. In R.M. Steers, L.W. Porter, & G.A., Bigley (Eds.), Motivation and Work Behavior (7th Ed.), 126–140.

Sudiksa, I., Sunarta Nyoman, Permana, G. P. L., Suidarma Made, Sutrisni, K. E., Trisnadewi, N. K. A., & Yoga7, G. A. (2025). LITERASI KEUANGAN DIGITAL: MENANGKAL JERATAN PINJAMAN ONLINE. Sewagati. https://doi.org/10.59819/sewagati.v4i1.4848

Tjakrawala, F., & Iskak, J. (2021). EDUKASI ASPEK KEAMANAN DAN PENGENDALIAN DATA GUNA MEMBANGUN LITERASI DIGITAL BAGI PELAKU UMKM. Prosiding SENAPENMAS. https://doi.org/10.24912/psenapenmas.v0i0.15005

van Deursen, Alexander J A M, & van Dijk, Jan A G M. (2013). The digital divide shifts to differences in usage. New Media & Society, 16(3), 507–526. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444813487959

Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F. D. (1996). A Model of the Antecedents of Perceived Ease of Use: Development and Test. Decision Sciences, 27(3), 451–481. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5915.1996.tb00860.x

Wagimin, W., Khairunnisa, N., Anggasta, G., Hanum, F., & Erlianti, D. (2025). Students’ Perception of The Role of Change Agents in the Digital Era. Global Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.v3i2.744

Wahdaniyah, N., Nurmandi, A., & Younus, M. (2025). A meta-analysis of the relationship between digital maturity and digital transformation. Society, 13(2), 628–644. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v13i2.814

Wahyu, R., Hadisukmana, N., & Rosalina. (2025). Indonesia’s digital transformation imperative: A strategic pathway to golden Indonesia 2045. International Journal of Frontiers in Engineering and Technology Research. https://doi.org/10.53294/ijfetr.2025.9.1.0040

Yao, X., Xu, Z., Škare, M., & Wang, X. (2024). Aftermath on COVID-19 technological and socioeconomic changes: A meta-analytic review. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123322

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.).

Zimmerman, M. (2000). Empowerment theory: Psychological, organizational and community levels of analysis. Handbook of Community Psychology, 43–64.

Zulfikar, Rahmat, Hendiyani, D., Fauzi, Komputer, F., & Multimedia, D. (2025). Penguatan Literasi Digital dan Inovasi Sosial: Mendorong Kemandirian Era Society 5.0 pada Gampong Alue Dua, Kecamatan Nisam Antara. Jurnal Solusi Masyarakat (JSM). https://doi.org/10.29103/jsm.v3i2.22282