Digital Human Resource Strategy and Sustainable Community Empowerment: The Mediating Role of Community Human Capital in the Indonesian Diaspora in Thailand

Abstract

Digital transformation has profoundly reshaped organisational structures, knowledge exchange processes, and human resource management practices. While Digital Human Resource Management (Digital HRM) has been extensively examined in corporate contexts, its application within diaspora and community-based organisations remains underexplored. Diaspora communities increasingly function as transnational actors facilitating cultural diplomacy, knowledge exchange, and sustainable community empowerment. This study investigates the implementation of digital human resource strategies within diaspora communities and examines their role in enhancing community human capital and sustainable empowerment. A qualitative case study was conducted in Kampung Indonesia, Nonthaburi, Thailand, involving twelve key informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, and analysed using thematic analysis supported by a SWOT framework. The findings reveal that digital HR strategies significantly enhance organisational coordination, volunteer management, and knowledge exchange through digital platforms. Community human capital—strengthened through digital literacy, collaboration, and international engagement—acts as a mediating mechanism in achieving sustainable outcomes. This study proposes an integrative conceptual model linking Digital HR Strategy, Community Human Capital, and Sustainable Community Empowerment, thereby extending Digital HRM literature into diaspora-based social contexts.