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

Jean-François Stich (), Monideepa Tarafdar, Patrick Stacey and Cary L. Cooper
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Jean-François Stich: ICN Business School, CEREFIGE - Centre Européen de Recherche en Economie Financière et Gestion des Entreprises - UL - Université de Lorraine
Monideepa Tarafdar: LUMS - Lancaster University Management School - Lancaster University
Patrick Stacey: Loughborough University
Cary L. Cooper: Alliance MBS - Alliance Manchester Business School - University of Manchester [Manchester]

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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.

Keywords: Email Load; Cybernetic Theory; Email Stress; Workplace Stress; Email Overload; Technostress; Technology; Structural equation modelling; Hypothesis testing; Computer-mediated communication (CMC) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-04
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01881947
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published in Information Technology and People, 2019, 32 (2), pp.430-452. ⟨10.1108/itp-10-2017-0321⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01881947

DOI: 10.1108/itp-10-2017-0321

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