The mobile technological era: insights into the consequences of constant connectivity of personal devices by knowledge workers

Abstract

Purpose

As employees’ adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has increased, so has research interest into the impact of BYOD on human resources outcomes. The present study aims at understanding the relationship between BYOD and human resources outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the inductive data-driven content analysis approach to analyze the data collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews with a sample of 28 knowledge workers from different occupational sectors in Mauritius.

Findings

The results show the double-edged sword brought about by BYOD implementation. This trend is associated with perceived job performance, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and work motivation while also having an effect on work-life conflict and stress.

Practical implications

This study has implications for organizations that are concerned about formulating guidelines and policies in relation to workers' adoption of BYOD in the workplace. This trend permits employees to continue to communicate and work irrespective of new working conditions and social distancing since the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way organizations operate around the globe.

Originality/value

Driven by the JD-R theory, themes and sub-themes were linked by the emerging relationships to present a conceptual framework to understanding employees' well-being since this is a pertinent research area for scholars and practitioners, as well as a topic of growing prominence for modern organizations.

Citation

Seedoyal Doargajudhur, M. and Hosanoo, Z. (2023), "The mobile technological era: insights into the consequences of constant connectivity of personal devices by knowledge workers", Information Technology & People, Vol. 36 No. 2, pp. 701-733. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-08-2021-0593