Conference proceedings article
Is ICT use the cause or result of reduced detachment? Investigating reversed causality in a diary study with a cross-lagged panel design
Publication Details
Authors: | Heißler, C.; Ohly, S. |
Editor: | EAWOP |
Publication year: | 2017 |
Pages range : | 610 |
Book title: | Proceedings of the 18th EAWOP Congress 2017 - Enabling Change through Work and Organizational Psychology |
Abstract
Purpose: Studies on the risks of work-related ICT use after hours often emphasize detrimental effects on detachment. The reversed causal effect -- insufficient detachment leading to work-related ICT use -- has not yet been examined. However, research would benefit from investigating bidirectional or reversed relationships to broaden our understanding of causes and risks of work-related ICT use during leisure time. Design/Methodology: Using a daily diary study design, data were collected from 134 German knowledge workers who completed three daily surveys during evening hours of 5 consecutive work days. Participants provided information on duration and intensity of work-related ICT use after work as well as their level of detachment on the second and third survey ensuring a cross-lagged panel design for each day. Results: Regression analysis supports the notion that failing to properly detach from work can lead to subsequent work-related ICT use. Limitations: The present study measured all constructs using self-reports and did not consider work-related ICT use on weekends/ during vacation. Research/Practical Implications: Considering the results future diary studies on ICT use and detachment should be mindful of bidirectional effects and investigate factors that moderate directionality between those variables Originality/Value: Using a diary study with a cross-lagged panel design this study discards the assumption that insufficient detachment is invariably the result of work-related ICT use and provides evidence for reversed causality. The short time lag reveals the dynamic between detachment and ICT within evenings.
Purpose: Studies on the risks of work-related ICT use after hours often emphasize detrimental effects on detachment. The reversed causal effect -- insufficient detachment leading to work-related ICT use -- has not yet been examined. However, research would benefit from investigating bidirectional or reversed relationships to broaden our understanding of causes and risks of work-related ICT use during leisure time. Design/Methodology: Using a daily diary study design, data were collected from 134 German knowledge workers who completed three daily surveys during evening hours of 5 consecutive work days. Participants provided information on duration and intensity of work-related ICT use after work as well as their level of detachment on the second and third survey ensuring a cross-lagged panel design for each day. Results: Regression analysis supports the notion that failing to properly detach from work can lead to subsequent work-related ICT use. Limitations: The present study measured all constructs using self-reports and did not consider work-related ICT use on weekends/ during vacation. Research/Practical Implications: Considering the results future diary studies on ICT use and detachment should be mindful of bidirectional effects and investigate factors that moderate directionality between those variables Originality/Value: Using a diary study with a cross-lagged panel design this study discards the assumption that insufficient detachment is invariably the result of work-related ICT use and provides evidence for reversed causality. The short time lag reveals the dynamic between detachment and ICT within evenings.
