Digital Readiness: The Shift Toward Paperless Administration at City College of Calamba

Abstract

In the pursuit of efficiency and sustainability, higher education institutions are increasingly adopting digitization to modernize administrative processes. The transition toward paperless systems have become a strategic priority, yet empirical evidence on digital readiness in local/state colleges within developing contexts remains limited. This study contributes to the literature by providing localized empirical evidence on how dimensions of digital readiness collectively influence administrative performance in a local higher education institution. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 105 teaching and administrative personnel using validated adapted and self-developed questionnaires. Digital readiness was measured in terms of Materials and Infrastructure, Human Resources, and Organizational Support, while operational processes were evaluated through Efficiency, Productivity, Workload, and Job Satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were utilized. Findings revealed that CCC demonstrated a partially prepared level of digital readiness, particularly in terms of unstable internet connectivity, limited digital training, insufficient leadership support, and inadequate budget allocation. Operational outcomes were likewise partially achieved, with productivity obtaining relatively higher ratings than efficiency and workload management. Statistical analysis showed a very strong positive relationship between digital readiness and operational outcomes (r = 0.8853). Regression analysis further revealed that digital readiness significantly predicts operational outcomes (R² = 0.783, p < 0.001), with Organizational Support emerging as the strongest predictor. The findings suggest that strengthening digital infrastructure, employee capability-building, and institutional support mechanisms is essential for achieving effective and sustainable paperless administration in higher education institutions.