Personal use of technology at work: a literature review and a theoretical model for understanding how it affects employee job performance

2023 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Jiang, Hemin; Siponen, Mikko; Tsohou, Aggeliki

Abstract: Employee personal use of technology at work (PUTW) – defined as employees’ activ ... Expand

Abstract: Employee personal use of technology at work (PUTW) – defined as employees’ activities using organisational or personal IT resources for non-work-related purposes while at work – is increasingly common. Our review of existing PUTW studies (n = 137) suggests that previous studies widely discussed PUTW outcomes, antecedents, and policies. The literature review also indicates that previous studies proposed opposing viewpoints regarding the effect of PUTW on employee job performance, but few studies offered empirical evidence. Consequently, the conditions under which PUTW can increase or decrease employee job performance have not been discussed. We develop a theoretical model for increasing the understanding of this issue. Our model suggests that executive attention is an important underlying mechanism through which PUTW affects employee job performance. We further suggest the effect of PUTW on executive attention (and job performance) depends on PUTW behavioural characteristics in terms of four dimensions: PUTW cognitive load, PUTW arousal level, PUTW timing, and PUTW frequency/duration. The model can advance researchers’ understanding of the possible conditions under which PUTW may increase or decrease employee job performance. The model also offers new insights into existing studies on PUTW antecedents and policies. As a result, our proposed model provides new theoretical guidance for future studies on PUTW. Collapse

Topics: task productivity switching cost electronic commerce

Methods: theory development structured literature research literature study field study experience sampling

Job Crafting in The Era of Algorithmic Management

2023 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Lippert, Isabell; Kirchner, Kathrin; Wiener, Martin; Saunders, Carol

Abstract: Companies increasingly rely on algorithmic management (AM) to efficiently contr ... Expand

Abstract: Companies increasingly rely on algorithmic management (AM) to efficiently control and coordinate workers, especially in the quick commerce sector, where workers are required to work particularly fast. AM often implies that workers face cognitive demands, such as behavioral constraints imposed by a tight management regime, or significant physical demands, such as a high work pace. Against this backdrop, we interviewed 18 food delivery couriers about how they try to cope with these demands. We find that, despite AM-induced behavioral constraints, workers engage in job crafting to better cope with demanding work conditions, to enrich work roles, and to add or extend resources, thereby increasing their job satisfaction and the perceived meaningfulness of their work. In contrast to previous studies where job crafting is strategically enacted by workers for long-term benefits, our study finds that jobs can also be successfully crafted short-term in an ad hoc manner. Collapse

Topics: mobile application algorithmic management Twitter job satisfaction platform work

Methods: qualitative interview personal interview ethnography experience sampling theoretical contribution

Sprint Zeal or Sprint Fatigue? The Benefits and Burdens of Agile ISD Practices Use for Developer Well-Being

2022 | Information Systems Research | Citations: 0

Authors: Benlian, Alexander

Abstract: Despite the predominant view in the agile information systems development (ISD) ... Expand

Abstract: Despite the predominant view in the agile information systems development (ISD) literature that agile information systems development practices use (AISDPU) has positive ramifications for ISD teams and projects, previous research has paid considerably less attention to whether and how these practices can be simultaneously beneficial and burdensome to individual developers. In addition, much of our knowledge on AISDPU and its effects relies on research into the differences between developers over an extended period of time. Yet, agile ISD practices are typically used on a day-to-day basis and can thus be viewed as an inherently within-person phenomenon, pointing to the need for daily investigations that provide a closer look at the immediate, lived experiences of developers. Drawing on the holistic stress process model, we develop the idea that daily AISDPU can be a source of stressful situational demands with both energizing and depleting effects that may thus help or harm developer well-being. In an experience-sampling study of 131 developers who responded to daily surveys spread over 10 workdays, we show that AISDPU can indeed be a double-edged sword: instrumental to developers’ energy resources (by increasing work engagement) on some days yet detrimental to their energy resources (by increasing depletion) on others—two forces with opposing effects on developer well-being. Importantly, we find that the divergent effects of AISDPU critically hinge on whether developers appraise it as a challenge or a threat. As a potential antidote, we investigate the moderating role of information technology (IT) mindfulness in developers’ appraisal processes. Our results show that IT mindfulness serves as a facilitator of challenge appraisals and as a buffer against threat appraisals. More broadly, this study challenges the predominant view of AISDPU as an inherently good thing and offers meaningful insights into why and when AISDPU improves versus impairs developer well-being. Collapse

Topics: mindfulness agile software development systems development missing data electronic mail

Methods: survey theory development experience sampling longitudinal research design methodology

Monitoring Cognitive Load with 3D-Printed EEG Headphones

2022 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Knierim, Michael; Zimny, Christian; Seitz, Julia

Abstract: Real-world cognitive load monitoring promises to be an essential foundation for ... Expand

Abstract: Real-world cognitive load monitoring promises to be an essential foundation for positive adaptive information systems that foster knowledge workers' productivity and wellbeing. Towards this goal, our research combines established EEG load monitoring principles with low-cost, 3D-printed headphones. This provides a means for continuous, unobtrusive, and real-time cognitive load detection. Results from two experiments document strong relationships of cognitive load reports with EEG frequency bands (Theta and Alpha), both around the ears and on top of the head. While limitations with Theta band power sensitivity are observed, Alpha band modulations are robust across sessions, task repetitions, and three tasks. Furthermore, short setup durations are found, and only minimal influences of hairstyle or glasses on setup times and load relationships. With a discussion of the remaining challenges for more naturalistic studies, this article documents the system's future potential for load sensing during knowledge work. Collapse

Topics: knowledge work open source IS discipline usability computer hardware

Methods: experiment electroencephalography survey self reported survey parametric test

Theories: flow theory

The Dynamism of Daily Justice: A Person-Environment Fit Perspective on the Situated Value of Justice

2022 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Lennard, Anna C.; Matta, Fadel K.; Lin, Szu-Han (Joanna); Koopman, Joel; Johnson, Russell E.

Abstract: Despite the generally positive consequences associated with justice, recent rese ... Expand

Abstract: Despite the generally positive consequences associated with justice, recent research suggests that supervisors cannot always enact justice, and responses to justice may not be universally positive. Thus, justice is likely to vary in both how much it is received and the employee reactions it engenders. In order to understand the range of justice responses, we develop a dynamic theory of justice by using person-environment fit to take both the value that an individual places in justice and the justice they received into account. Using this framework, we clarify the consequences of congruence versus incongruence in daily justice received and valued, which have implications for treatment discrepancies and subsequent work behavior. We also identify the differences between excess and deficient justice on cognitive and affective responses to justice. Our findings reveal that employees’ experience of justice is more complicated than simply whether the justice they received was high or low on a particular day. Using experience sampling and polynomial regression methods, we observe that not all instances in which employees receive high levels of justice are equivalent. In fact, we find that, depending on justice valued, receiving high levels of justice can be just as detrimental as receiving low levels. Additionally, we find that although both forms of justice misfit (excess and deficiency) cause-negative work outcomes, they affect these outcomes through differential responses to justice — with excess causing increased rumination and deficiency causing decreased positive affect. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for extant justice theory and for supervisor-employee work interactions. Collapse

Topics: accounting task productivity marketing management individual productivity problem solving

Methods: survey theory development polynomial regression chi squared test path analysis

Theories: justice theory management theory theory of situated cognition big five model

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Wrist-worn Transdermal Alcohol Biosensor to Collect Data in the Field

2022 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Merrill, Jennifer; Gunn, Rachel; Neary, Anne; Souza, Timothy; Barnett, Nancy

Abstract: Transdermal alcohol monitoring allows for continuous, non-invasive, objective, a ... Expand

Abstract: Transdermal alcohol monitoring allows for continuous, non-invasive, objective, and remote measurement of alcohol consumption. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability of participant use of the BACtrack Skyn biosensor bracelet in daily life. Heavy drinkers (n=20) wore the Skyn and self-reported drinking behavior for 7 days, followed by an individual interview. Recruitment and retention benchmarks were met, supporting feasibility. Participants provided both positive and constructive feedback on the Skyn during interviews, and usability of the bracelet was deemed “good”. Most missing data were inconsequential (<5 mins), with data available 85% of the time participants were asked to wear it. Missing data was largely expected and due to bracelet removal during bathing or charging. Overall, results indicate promise in our ability to integrate this tool into research and/or clinical practice, passively and objectively monitoring alcohol use in participants and/or patients with minimal burden. Collapse

Topics: missing data mobile application video conference iOS pandemic

Methods: self reported survey qualitative interview survey field study experience sampling

Mitigating the intrusive effects of smart home assistants by using anthropomorphic design features: A multimethod investigation

2020 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 51

Authors: Benlian, Alexander; Klumpe, Johannes; Hinz, Oliver

Abstract: With the growing proliferation of smart home assistants (SHAs), digital services ... Expand

Abstract: With the growing proliferation of smart home assistants (SHAs), digital services are increasingly pervading people's private households. Through their intrusive features, SHAs threaten to not only increase individual users' strain but also impair social relationships at home. However, while previous research has predominantly focused on technology features' detrimental effects on employee strain at work, there is still a lack of understanding of the adverse effects of digital devices on individuals and their social relations at home. In addition, we know little about how these deleterious effects can be mitigated by using information technology (IT) artefact-based design features. Drawing on the person-technology fit model, self-regulation theory, and the literature on anthropomorphism, we used the synergistic properties of an online experiment (N = 136) and a follow-up field survey with a representative sample of SHA users (N = 214) to show how and why SHAs' intrusive technology features cause strain and interpersonal conflicts at home. Moreover, we demonstrate how SHAs' anthropomorphic design features can attenuate the harmful effects of intrusive technology features on strain by shaping users' feelings of privacy invasion. More broadly, our study sheds light on the largely underinvestigated psychological and social consequences of the digitization of the individual at home. Collapse

Topics: privacy anonymity perceived ease of use information privacy concern societal evaluation criteria

Methods: survey partial least squares path modeling mixed method theory development experiment

A Daily Field Investigation of Technology-Driven Spillovers from Work to Home

2020 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 0

Authors: Benlian, Alexander

Abstract: Although recent theoretical developments and empirical studies indicate that tec ... Expand

Abstract: Although recent theoretical developments and empirical studies indicate that technology-related stress may have negative and positive consequences for employees across life domains, the majority of previous IS research on technostress has focused on its downsides at work and has neglected to study how and why technology-related stress may spill over from work to home. Furthermore, while much of our knowledge of technology-related stress and its effects derives from cross-sectional studies examining between-person differences, there is a need for longitudinal, daily investigations that take a within-person view. Integrating the challenge–hindrance stressor framework with affective events theory and work–home spillover literature, we propose a broader conceptualization of technology-related stressors, referred to as technology-driven (TD) stressors, which comprise technology-driven challenge (TCS) and hindrance (THS)stressors, and examine how and why daily TCS and THS experienced at work affect the relationship between employees and their partners at home. In an experience sampling study of 115 employees who responded to daily surveys both at work and at home over a two-week period, we found that while THS are negatively related to partnership satisfaction via negative affect, TCS are positively related to partnership satisfaction via positive affect. We also investigated the moderating effect of work–home role integration (WHI) and perceived organizational support in work–home boundary management (POS) on the strength of the within-individual spillover processes. Our results show that WHI acts as a double-edged sword forletting TCS- and THS-triggered positive and negative affect spill over to partnership satisfaction, whereas POS serves as a facilitator of positive affect and as a buffer against negative affect. Broadly, our study shows that understanding daily TD work stressors is important because their negative and positive downstream effects often do not stop at employees’ workplace boundaries but actually penetrate and shape their everyday lives at home. Collapse

Topics: technostress electronic mail task complexity personality email spam

Methods: survey survey design experience sampling hierarchical linear modeling confirmatory factor analysis

Theories: affective events theory

Workplace Health Promotion: Effects of an mHealth application on Employee Behaviour and Wellness

2020 | HICSS | Citations: 3

Authors: Emerson, Sophie; Heavin, Ciara; Power, Daniel J

Abstract: Organizations are using digital tools to support workplace health promotion (WHP ... Expand

Abstract: Organizations are using digital tools to support workplace health promotion (WHP) initiatives. This study investigates the effects of a mobile health (mHealth) application on employee behaviour and wellness. This exploratory, empirical case study was conducted as part of an established workplace health initiative in the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland, April 2018. User data on exercise including daily activity in the form of steps taken, mood, total daily exercise, and other variables were captured as part of the ‘Steps to Health Challenge’. Phase 1 of the study involved the collection of user data from 70 active app users and a survey was conducted. The majority of participants found that the mHealth app motivated them to sustain, and in some cases increase, their daily steps. Phase 2 involved interviews. Following qualitative data analysis, we found that the app positively effected employee behaviour; specific features were highlighted as especially influential. Collapse

Topics: mobile health mobile application cloud computing smart wearable device mobile system

Methods: survey qualitative interview experience sampling descriptive statistic wearables based research

Information Technology Interventions in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Theory Driven Approach

2020 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Sengupta, Avijit; Bhattacherjee, Anol; Dutta, Kaushik

Abstract: Coronary heart disease (CHD) afflicts 16.5 million Americans annually and is one ... Expand

Abstract: Coronary heart disease (CHD) afflicts 16.5 million Americans annually and is one of the most prominent causes of death and disability. Lack of access to rehabilitation presents a huge challenge in the management of this disease. In this study, we test the efficacy of a mobile phone-based intervention for home-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with CHD. Our digital health intervention prototype deployed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys and preprogrammed intervention messages to improve the physical activity performance of CHD patients. Extending control theory and the theory of cognitive dissonance to digital nudges, we formulated hypotheses, that we tested using panel data from eight CHD patients over a period of 91 days. Out analysis showed that EMA surveys independently as well as in conjugation with preprogrammed intervention messages can work as a digital nudge and motivate physical activity among CHD patients. Implications for research and practice are described. Collapse

Topics: mobile system mobile application smart watch smartphone digital dashboard

Methods: survey design artifact statistical hypothesis test longitudinal research experience sampling

Theories: cognitive dissonance theory control theory nudge theory