A1 Journal article (refereed)
Proximal and distal antecedents of problematic information technology use in organizations (2022)
Pirkkalainen, H., Tarafdar, M., Salo, M., & Makkonen, M. (2022). Proximal and distal antecedents of problematic information technology use in organizations. Internet Research, 32(7), 139-168. https://doi.org/10.1108/intr-02-2021-0083
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Pirkkalainen, Henri; Tarafdar, Monideepa; Salo, Markus; Makkonen, Markus
Journal or series: Internet Research
ISSN: 1066-2243
eISSN: 2054-5657
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 15/09/2021
Volume: 32
Issue number: 7
Pages range: 139-168
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/intr-02-2021-0083
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77873
Abstract
Excessive use of work-related information technology (IT) devices can lead to major performance and well-being concerns for organizations. Extant research has provided evidence of the incidence of such problematic IT use in organizations. We extend the understanding of problematic IT use by examining its individual (proximal) and organizational (distal) antecedents.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from the self-worth theory and the concept of fear of being left behind, we address proximal antecedents that lead to problematic IT use. Drawing from the concept of autonomy paradox, we address distal antecedents of problematic IT use through a positive association with the two proximal antecedents. We report the results of a field study involving 846 individuals who use IT for work. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The results indicate that the proximal antecedents (IT insecurity and fear of missing out) are positively associated with problematic IT use. The distal antecedents (IT use autonomy and involvement facilitation) are positively associated with the proximal antecedents except for the relationship between IT use autonomy and IT insecurity, which was found statistically non-significant. Furthermore, fear of missing out fully mediates the effect of IT use autonomy on problematic IT use, whereas IT insecurity and fear of missing out fully mediate the effects of involvement facilitation on problematic IT use.
Originality/value
The paper theoretically extends the understanding of problematic IT use and identifies novel its proximal and distal antecedents.
Keywords: well-being at work; work burden; information technology; information and communications technology
Free keywords: problematic IT use; proximal antecedents; distal antecedents; IT insecurity; fear of missing out
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2022
JUFO rating: 2
