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Debunking the instant messaging myth?

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  • Lebbon, Angela R.
  • Sigurjónsson, Jón G.

Abstract

Instant messaging is a beneficial tool in the workplace that aids communication and decision-making, yet it’s widely accepted that productivity suffers due to frequent interruptions. Previous research conducted with surveys and atypical IM interactions support such claims; however, prior research demonstrated with a systematic study and behavioral measures that IM-ing is not detrimental to quality and timeliness of work. The current study expands the research literature by examining the effects of frequent IM-ing on productivity, quality of work, and time on-task in a laboratory setting. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and independent samples t-tests for group and IM type. Data demonstrated little performance differences between those who received IMs and those who did not. This research appears to suggest that IM-ing has some impact on overall task completion time but IM-ers productivity time was faster. Therefore, it may be more harmful to resort to the commonly held notion that all off-task behavior equates negative effects and unproductive employees. Future directions for researchers and managers are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lebbon, Angela R. & Sigurjónsson, Jón G., 2016. "Debunking the instant messaging myth?," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 433-440.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:36:y:2016:i:3:p:433-440
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.02.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mansi, Gary & Levy, Yair, 2013. "Do instant messaging interruptions help or hinder knowledge workers’ task performance?," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 591-596.
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