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Dissertation
Electronic tethering: perpetual wireless connectivity to the organization
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Sep 2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3379
Abstract
Cell and smart phones are almost ubiquitous in today's organizations, yet little research has been done on the effects of these technologies on the workers who carry them. This study examined the impact of extensive after-hours connectivity to the organization via wireless communication devices (i.e. cell and smart phones) on several individual outcomes. Many individuals, particularly executives, account managers, and technology and knowledge workers have their communication devices with them 24/7. The primary purpose of this study was to propose and test a model of today's highly connected after-hours environment. This study found that the intensity of after-hours contacts interacts and the expectations that individuals have that they need to be available and responsive to these contacts have a significant impact on their behaviors with regard to their communication devices. And, although these behaviors are help individuals achieve greater job performance, they were also found to be predictors of work-to-family conflict, strain, and lowered job satisfaction, all of which have been previously found to adversely impact job performance. The behaviors, together with the after-hours contacts and communication expectations were also found to affect "electronic tethering (ET)," the perception of connectivity to the organization. This perception also affects strain and job attitudes. Tethered individuals who believed that their level of connectivity would help them achieve their goals performed better than those whose belief in the instrumentality of being connected was lower. The net impact of this connectivity and the concomitant expectations that accompany it is positive, but only to a small extent. The net effect on job attitudes is negative, also to a small extent. Thus, organizational policies and personal characteristics may tilt the balance and both organizations and individuals would benefit from understand these findings.
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Details
- Title
- Electronic tethering
- Creators
- C. Melissa Fender - DU
- Contributors
- Jeffrey H. Greenhaus (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Bennett S. LeBow College of Business; Management; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3379; 991014632439304721