The Mixed Blessing of Work-Related Use of Information and Communication Technologies After Hours on Cyberloafing

Abstract

The pervasiveness of the work-related use of information and communication technologies after hours (W_ICTs) has raised concerns about its impact on employees. However, research on the relationship between W_ICTs and employee outcomes presented inconsistent findings. To address this issue, this study draws on the cognitive appraisal theory of stress to explore the double-edged sword effect of W_ICTs on employee cyberloafing and its boundary condition. By analyzing three-wave survey data from 340 employees in China, this study found that when employees have high job control, W_ICTs is positively associated with their needs satisfaction, which can decrease their cyberloafing. Conversely, when employees have low job control, W_ICTs is positively associated with workplace anxiety, which can increase their cyberloafing. This study contributes to understanding of the mixed effects of W_ICTs on employee behavior in the workplace. Furthermore, this study identifies an important boundary condition that can shape the consequences of W_ICTs for employees. This study provides valuable implications to organizations for effectively managing W_ICTs and mitigating potential negative outcomes in the Asia Pacific context.