Digital working during the COVID-19 pandemic: how task–technology fit improves work performance and lessens feelings of loneliness
Information Technology & People
ISSN: 0959-3845
Article publication date: 24 September 2021
Issue publication date: 19 July 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) use and work performance during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Specifically, it aims to understand what the role of task–technology fit is, and what effect this has on feelings of loneliness of individuals and their subsequent work performance. As a large proportion of workers are required to work from home during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, understanding what aspects contribute to higher performance and reduced negative psychological outcomes is of increased practical and research interest.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore these questions, a quantitative approach that employed a sample population of 357 individuals who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic was used. Using a convenience, purposive and snowball sampling approach the authors collected data through a custom-built online questionnaire, and analyzed the data using structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
The results highlight the effect that high task–technology fit has in both directly and indirectly influencing work performance of individuals. The authors find that by designing ICTs based on task–technology fit principles, individuals are less likely to experience feelings of loneliness while working from home and are more prone to perform better in their work-related tasks.
Originality/value
This study offers a new perspective on the role fit of tasks with technology have on influencing psychological states, and indirectly influencing work-related outcomes. The authors, therefore, expand the understanding about why task–technology fit is sought after by explaining part of the psychological mechanisms through which it has an effect on work performance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors also acknowledge the financial support from the Slovenian Research Agency (research core funding No. P5-0410).
Citation
Abelsen, S.N., Vatne, S.-H., Mikalef, P. and Choudrie, J. (2023), "Digital working during the COVID-19 pandemic: how task–technology fit improves work performance and lessens feelings of loneliness", Information Technology & People, Vol. 36 No. 5, pp. 2063-2087. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-12-2020-0870
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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