Jean-François Stich : Research articles

26/09/2018 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Publication: E-mail load, workload stress and desired e-mail load: a cybernetic approach

26/09/2018 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Abstract:

Purpose – Using email is a time-consuming activity that can increase workload stress. This paper investigates the relationship between the individual’s email load, workload stress and desired email load, drawing from the cybernetic theory of stress.

Design/methodology/approach – Based on prior theory, we first hypothesized relationships among email load, workplace stress and desired email load. We then tested these relationships on a sample of 504 full-time workers in the U.S., using survey data and covariance based structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings – We find that (1) higher email load is associated with higher workload stress; (2) higher workload stress is associated with lower desired email load; (3) lower desired email load is associated with lower email load; and (4) higher workload stress is associated with higher psychological strain, higher negative emotions, and lower organizational commitment.

Originality/value – The study provides a novel understanding of workload stress due to email load, through the lens of cybernetic theory. It contributes to the email overload and technostress literatures by conceptualizing desired email load as a potential outcome of workplace stress and as a regulator for email load. For practitioners, the study highlights the importance of managing employees’ email load to prevent the negative effects of workplace stress and associated strains.

07/03/2018 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Publication: Electronic communication in the workplace: boon or bane?

07/03/2018 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review technostress-related challenges arising out of workplace communication, for employees and organizations, and to provide suggestions for taking these challenges on.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an overview of current research and practice in the area of technostress-related challenges workplace communication.

Findings – Employees face technostress challenges relating to workplace communication in the form of technology overload, interruptions and work-home interferences. Organizations have to strike a balance between giving employees the technology they want and protecting them from these challenges. Several interventions to strike such balance are reviewed and commented on.

Practical implications – The paper gives practitioners an accessible overview of current research and practice in the area of technostress from workplace communication such as e-mail. A number of practical interventions are reviewed and commented on, which could help employees tackle such challenges.

Originality/value – Although this paper reviews state-of-the-art research, it is written in an accessible and practitioner-oriented style, which should be found valuable by readers with limited time but urgency to deal with technostress challenges arising out of workplace communication.

29/06/2017 Research, Impact, Opinion Work, Technology, Stress

Modèle commenté de charte sur le droit à la déconnexion

29/06/2017 Research, Impact, Opinion Work, Technology, Stress

Depuis le 1er janvier 2017, les entreprises doivent encourager chez leurs salariés un usage responsable des outils numériques. Cela peut passer par l'élaboration et la négociation d'une charte dite de "droit à la déconnexion".

Je vous propose dans cet article un modèle commenté d'une telle charte. Ce modèle se base sur des recherches récentes en sciences de gestion, de collègues ou de moi-même. A ce titre, je commente ce modèle d'un point de vue académique, en l'étayant de sources complémentaires.

08/03/2017 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Publication: Workplace stress from actual and desired computer-mediated communication use: a multi-method study

08/03/2017 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Abstract:

The use of computer-mediated communication applications can lead to workplace stress for employees. However, such stress is influenced not only by how individuals actually use computer-mediated communication applications but also how they desire to use them. This article examines how the individual's actual and desired use of communication tools together influence his or her workplace stress. It does so across a range of computer-mediated media (e.g. email or instant messaging) and workplace stressors (e.g. workload or work relationships). This investigation is conducted using a multi-method research design. The quantitative study found that desired and actual use together influenced workplace stress, mostly for email, but not for other media. The qualitative study further showed that such influence depends on organisational conditions such as available media or co-workers preferences. The findings emphasise the importance of considering the individuals’ desired use of CMC media and their subjective appraisals of different media.

25/11/2015 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Publication: Information and Communication Technology Demands: Outcomes and Interventions

25/11/2015 Research Publication, Work, Technology, Stress

Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review four demands employees face when communicating through information and communication technologies (ICTs). We review the outcomes associated with each demand and discuss relevant interventions to provide a set of evidence-based recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews the following demands associated with ICTs: response expectations, constant availability, increased workload and poor communication. We draw upon empirical research to highlight outcomes and intervention strategies, before discussing implications for research and practice.

Findings – The findings suggest that there are diverse outcomes associated with each demand. The outcomes were not inherently negative as evidence suggests that positive performance outcomes can arise from response expectations and constant availability, although they may be allied by health and wellbeing costs.

Practical implications – A number of practical strategies are described to help organizations address computer-mediated communication demands, including tailored training, organizational policies and role modelling. The paper also outlines suggestions for future research on the dark side of IT use.

Originality/value – This paper integrates four interrelated demands that employees can face when communicating through technology. We extend knowledge by analyzing interventions which enables a synthesis of implications for practice.

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