Resource loss from technology overload and its impact on work-family conflict: Can leaders help?

With the ever increasing usage of information and communication technology, it is no surprise that technology end-users are experiencing technology overload. Although this technology overload has been shown to have a negative impact on work related outcomes, much less is known about how it is associated with work-family conflict (WFC). This study set out to answer that question by building on Conservation of Resources theory and examining three types of technology overload (information overload, communication overload, and system feature overload) and their relationships with WFC. Additionally, we investigated leader–member exchange quality to see how it impacts the relationships between each type of technology overload and WFC. We examined these relationships in a sample of 219 technology end-users, and our results indicated that all three types of technology overload are associated with WFC. Further, for two types of technology overload, the lower the quality of leader–member exchange relationships, the greater the impact of technology overload on WFC.     

Abusive supervision and cyberloafing: A moderated moderation model of moral disengagement and negative reciprocity beliefs

Cyberloafing is a major productivity killer in the workplace. Drawing on social cognitive theory and social exchange theory, we developed and tested a model that examined the underlying mechanisms through which abusive supervision influences cyberloafing. The results showed that abusive supervision is positively related to cyberloafing. This relationship is also moderated by negative reciprocity beliefs. In addition, support was found for the three-way interaction effect of abusive supervision, moral disengagement, and negative reciprocity beliefs on cyberloafing, such that the positive relationship between abusive supervision and cyberloafing is strongest at high levels of moral disengagement and negative reciprocity beliefs.     

Usage and impact of technology enabled job learning

Individuals use technology to experiment with new ways of carrying out their tasks and in doing so they learn more about their jobs. The current study examines the role of technology enabled job learning as a key component in the complex relationship between information systems use and technology outcomes. Data from 308 end-users were analyzed to evaluate the relationships between system use and technology enabled job learning, and technology enabled job learning and technology outcomes. Technology enabled job learning was conceptualized in terms of how computer applications helped individuals learn and better perform their jobs. System use was conceptualized in terms of decision support, work integration, and customer service. Technology outcomes were conceptualized in terms of management control, task innovation, task productivity, and customer satisfaction. Results suggest that systems use has a significant, positive effect on job learning, and that job learning has a significant, positive effect on technology outcomes. Post hoc analyses were then conducted to examine the potential mediating role of job learning between systems use and technology outcomes. The findings from this research lead to a greater understanding of how patterns of systems use influence organizationally relevant outcomes through technology-enabled job learning.     

Employee dispositions to job and organization as antecedents and consequences of information systems use

Organizations implement information systems to improve employee productivity and engender favourable organizational outcomes. Although there is evidence of positive outcomes of system use, research has suggested that system use may lead to negative consequences for employees and organizations. There has been limited research that focuses on how employees' use of information systems in the workplace is associated with their positive and negative dispositions to job and organization. We develop and test a model that posits that dispositions to job (ie, job satisfaction, job security, job anxiety, and emotional exhaustion), and organization (ie, organizational commitment and organizational trust) will play a dual role of antecedents and consequences of system use. We conducted 2 longitudinal studies in the context of 2 different systems—a functional system and an enterprise system—and found support for our hypotheses (N = 257 and 181, respectively). We found that preimplementation job and organizational dispositions significantly predicted both lean and rich measures of system use. Further, we found that rich measures of system use (ie, cognitive absorption use and deep structure use) had differential impacts on postimplementation employee dispositions—functional system use had a positive impact and enterprise system use had a negative impact. Overall, our findings offer a comprehensive understanding of system use, and its antecedents and consequences for employees in organizations.     

Quality of working life and turnover intention in information technology work

High turnover has been a major issue in information technology (IT) organizations. A conceptual model to explain turnover was developed and tested in two national samples of IT and IT manufacturing work. The model postulates that quality of working life mediates the relations between job/organizational characteristics and turnover intention. The American sample consisted of 624 IT employees of five IT organizations. The Austrian sample consisted of 677 employees from an international IT production company (IT manufacturing work). A similar questionnaire was used in both studies. The model was tested with path analysis. A core model with main pathways between job demands and supervisory support to emotional exhaustion, and between emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction to turnover intention was confirmed in the national samples and in subsamples of demographics and job types. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A Game-Theoretic Analysis of Grid Job Scheduling

Computational Grid is a well-established platform that gives an assurance to provide a vast range of heterogeneous resources for high performance computing. Efficient and effective resource management and Grid job scheduling are key requirements in order to optimize the use of the resources and to take full advantage from Grid systems. In this paper, we study the job scheduling problem in Computational Grid by using a game-theoretic approach. Grid resources are usually owned by different organizations which may have different and possibly conflicting concerns. Thus it is a crucial objective to analyze potential scenarios where selfish or cooperative behaviors of organizations impact heavily on global Grid efficiency. To this purpose, we formulate a repeated non-cooperative job scheduling game, whose players are Grid sites and whose strategies are scheduling algorithms. We exploit the concept of Nash equilibrium to express a situation in which no player can gain any profit by unilaterally changing its strategy. We extend and complement our previous work by showing whether, under certain circumstances, each investigated strategy is a Nash equilibrium or not. In the negative case we give a counter-example, in the positive case we either give a formal proof or motivate our conjecture by experimental results supported by simulations and exhaustive search.     

Sociotechnical issues in the implementation of imaging technology

This study examined the implementation of imaging technology into two public sector organizations in the Midwest in the USA. The aims of the study were to analyze the impact of imaging technology on job characteristics and quality of working life, and the influence of the technological change process on employees and organizations. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaire surveys and structured and semi-structured interviews. Results showed that imaging users reported more problems with technology and less job satisfaction than employees who were still using their 'old' computer systems. In addition, imaging users in the organization that utilized end user participation in the implementation of their imaging system rated their imaging systems better and reported higher job satisfaction than imaging users in the organization that did not incorporate end user participation in the implementation of the system. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of the technology implementation/ change process, and future directions for research are provided.     

The impact of shiftwork on work – home conflict,job attitudes and health

The present study was designed to test the impact of rotation and timing of shifts on work?–?home conflict, job attitudes, health and absenteeism among the military police. A total of 3122 employees participated in the study. Discriminant analysis was used to examine the relationships between rotation and timing of shifts on the one hand, and the outcome measures on the other. Whether employees had fixed dayshifts, fixed non-day shifts including weekends, or rotating shifts with or without weekends, could be predicted on the basis of the experienced work?–?home conflict, job attitudes, health and absenteeism. Each of the two parameters of shiftwork differentially affected the experience of the outcome measures. Rotation was most clearly related to unfavourable job attitudes (namely job satisfaction, cynicism, turnover intentions and professional efficacy), whereas timing was most clearly related to increased work?–?home conflict. The results suggest that fixed non-day shifts including weekends (i.e., during highly valuable times) should be avoided in order to minimize the conflict between work and home and that rotation rosters should be designed with a high degree of individualization and flexibility. These seem to be the most promising ways to reduce the negative consequences of shiftwork for employees, their families and organizations.     

Sociotechnical issues in the implementation of imaging technology

This study examined the implementation of imaging technology into two public sector organizations in the Midwest in the USA. The aims of the study were to analyze the impact of imaging technology on job characteristics and quality of working life, and the influence of the technological change process on employees and organizations. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaire surveys and structured and semi-structured interviews. Results showed that imaging users reported more problems with technology and less job satisfaction than employees who were still using their 'old' computer systems. In addition, imaging users in the organization that utilized end user participation in the implementation of their imaging system rated their imaging systems better and reported higher job satisfaction than imaging users in the organization that did not incorporate end user participation in the implementation of the system. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of the technology implementation/ change process, and future directions for research are provided.     

Mind your E-manners: Impact of cyber incivility on employees’ work attitude and behavior

We examined cyber incivility in the workplace of Singapore and also examined its impact on employee job satisfaction, organizational commitment, quit intention, and workplace deviance. Data were collected from 192 employees. Results of the survey showed that male supervisors engaged in active forms of cyber incivility while female supervisors engaged in passive cyber incivility. Regression analyses also showed that cyber incivility was negatively related to employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Employees who experienced cyber incivility were also more likely to quit their jobs or engaged in deviant behavior against their organization. Thus, cyber incivility has negative consequences on both individuals and organizations. Consequently, it is important that firms educate employees and have appropriate policies to discourage cyber incivility.     

The effect of Facebook use on office workers’ job performance and the moderating effects of task equivocality and interdependence

As office workers’ use of social networking sites (SNSs) has increased, so has research interest in the effect of SNS use on job performance. The present study employs data collected from South Korean office workers to examine how the use of the SNS Facebook affects job performance and to investigate the moderating effects of task characteristics (task equivocality and task interdependence). The results show that Facebook use for work has a positive effect on job performance, although the time spent on Facebook use does not have a significant effect on job performance. Moreover, task interdependence is associated with a decrease in the effect of Facebook use for work on job performance. In other words, task interdependence has a negative moderating effect on the impact of Facebook use for work on job performance. The reason is that Facebook is particularly advantageous for enhancing performance in tasks where the level of interdependence is low because it is a medium with relatively low synchrony and is unsuitable for one-to-one relationship building. This study has implications for companies that are concerned about formulating policies related to employees’ use of SNSs.     

The impact of shiftwork on work--home conflict, job attitudes and health

The present study was designed to test the impact of rotation and timing of shifts on work--home conflict, job attitudes, health and absenteeism among the military police. A total of 3122 employees participated in the study. Discriminant analysis was used to examine the relationships between rotation and timing of shifts on the one hand, and the outcome measures on the other. Whether employees had fixed dayshifts, fixed non-day shifts including weekends, or rotating shifts with or without weekends, could be predicted on the basis of the experienced work--home conflict, job attitudes, health and absenteeism. Each of the two parameters of shiftwork differentially affected the experience of the outcome measures. Rotation was most clearly related to unfavourable job attitudes (namely job satisfaction, cynicism, turnover intentions and professional efficacy), whereas timing was most clearly related to increased work--home conflict. The results suggest that fixed non-day shifts including weekends (i.e., during highly valuable times) should be avoided in order to minimize the conflict between work and home and that rotation rosters should be designed with a high degree of individualization and flexibility. These seem to be the most promising ways to reduce the negative consequences of shiftwork for employees, their families and organizations.     

Cultural differences in user groups: a multi-angle understanding of IT use in large organizations

In this paper, we analyze how differences between groups of end-users of the same technology (distributed within and across organizations) are reflected in specific breakdowns in the use of technology as well as in the interaction between these groups. In order to reach this goal, we consider as unit of analysis the occupational groups that are approached as reflecting a particular occupational culture. In addition, we analyze the effect of local subcultures on occupational groups. The two main aspects of culture on which we focused the study are language and values. Using this perspective, we carried out two case studies in two large organizations. The conclusions of this research show that the concept of occupational groups (with related occupational subcultures) is indeed a useful approach to explain differences in groups of end-users and the related breakdowns in use of technology and interaction among groups. The results of the study can inform design decisions and support action for improvements of interaction processes among groups of end-users of the same technology.

The information center approach for developing computer-based information systems

Organizations which have used computers for a number of years are well acquainted with the software maintenance problem and the new-application development backlog. The first exists because computer programs require various types of changes throughout their life. The second has been created because so many systems development staff have to be assigned to software maintenance, and because many computer users have recognized the value of additional computer applications in their organization.It is believed that the concept of end-user computing has been used to relieve the new application development backlog in many organizations. In some, information centers have been implemented partly to support the development of computer applications by end-users. A survey was conducted to determine to what extent the information center approach is being used. Over one-half of the responding organizations reported their use. The survey included an identification of the functions provided by information centers to end-users and the responsibilities of both information center consultants and end-users. Recommendations are presented.     

The synergic role of sociotechnical and personal characteristics on work injuries in mines

Occupational injuries in mines are attributed to many factors. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the various factors related to work injuries in mines and to estimate their effects on work injuries to mine workers. An accident path model was developed to estimate the pattern and strength of relationships amongst the personal and sociotechnical variables in accident/injury occurrences. The input data for the model were the correlation matrix of 18 variables, which were collected from the case study mines. The case study results showed that there are sequential interactions amongst the sociotechnical and personal factors leading to accidents/injuries in mines. Amongst the latent endogenous constructs, job dissatisfaction and safe work behaviour show a significant positive and negative direct relationship with work injury, respectively. However, the construct safety environment has a significant negative indirect relationship with work injury. The safety environment is negatively affected by work hazards and positively affected by social support. The safety environment also shows a significant negative relationship with job stress and job dissatisfaction. However, negative personality has no significant direct or indirect effect on work injury, but it has a significant negative relationship with safe work behaviour. The endogenous construct negative personality is positively influenced by job stress and negatively influenced by social support.     

微分压水检测系统的设计

为了能满足动态检测微分段压水的需要,运用传感器技术、电子技术与微电子技术成功设计了微分压水检测系统,介绍了系统总体框架的搭建和硬软件结构的设计.在思林水电站的压水试验结果表明:该仪器具有稳定性好、精度和灵敏度高、响应速度快等特点,在高温、潮湿、高灰尘的恶劣施工现场能正常工作.     

An empirical examination of the impact of computer information systems on users

This research investigates the effects of computer-based information systems on users and their jobs. Overall, based upon data collected from 101 users, the results show that information systems have a positive effect on four of the five core job dimensions (identity, significance, autonomy, and feedback). No significant impact is detected for the “skill variety” dimension. Results are also reported when users are broken down according to their position in the management hierarchy, and their user type (primary, secondary, end-users).     

定位数据访问框架的设计与实现

目前定位应用访问定位数据的方法常和特定的技术绑定在一起,这种相关性限制了应用向新技术的移植,也将最终用户绑定在了特定的设备上.通过对现存的定位技术方案的研究,抽象出了通用的定位数据访问模型,根据模型给出了定位数据访问框架的体系结构和实现方法.框架对定位应用屏蔽各种定位数据访问的细节和定位数据接收终端硬件的差异,为定位应用提供个一个与平台、技术体制和设备独立的定位数据访问接口.     

The synergic role of sociotechnical and personal characteristics on work injuries in mines

Occupational injuries in mines are attributed to many factors. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the various factors related to work injuries in mines and to estimate their effects on work injuries to mine workers. An accident path model was developed to estimate the pattern and strength of relationships amongst the personal and sociotechnical variables in accident/injury occurrences. The input data for the model were the correlation matrix of 18 variables, which were collected from the case study mines. The case study results showed that there are sequential interactions amongst the sociotechnical and personal factors leading to accidents/injuries in mines. Amongst the latent endogenous constructs, job dissatisfaction and safe work behaviour show a significant positive and negative direct relationship with work injury, respectively. However, the construct safety environment has a significant negative indirect relationship with work injury. The safety environment is negatively affected by work hazards and positively affected by social support. The safety environment also shows a significant negative relationship with job stress and job dissatisfaction. However, negative personality has no significant direct or indirect effect on work injury, but it has a significant negative relationship with safe work behaviour. The endogenous construct negative personality is positively influenced by job stress and negatively influenced by social support.     

Coping with job stress in industries: A cognitive approach

This study examined the roles of the coping strategies used by individuals to cope with job stress. The coping strategy was formed throughout the cognitive appraisal of the stressful events. It was found that direct action coping strategy shows negative relations with job stressors, whereas there are positive relations between stressors and other coping strategies. This implies that direct action coping strategy is used to alleviate the job stress by affirmatively changing the deleterious effects of job stressors in the work environment, while other coping strategies led to the positive impact on job stress or negative impact on job performance. To secure the usability and applicability of the model in practice, more considerations in the future should be made on the mediating variables such as personality type and social support, which are possible variables impacting the selection of coping strategy. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.