Technological fun in the workplace: The Role of Resources and Appraisal on Technostrain and Techno Engagement

Abstract

With the increased use of (new) technologies on the workfloor and the growing need for further understanding the effects this has on employees, more research is required. The present study focussed on the techno strain and techno engagement experienced by participants as well as the role of autonomy, colleague social support and supervisor social support on these two scales. Technological versions of four already existing questionnaires (UWES, colleague social support, supervisor social support & autonomy) were formed and administered with the tested technostrain questionnaire. More specifically this study endeavoured to determine the relationship between those variables as well as the roles of challenge and hindrance appraisals on those relationships. Based on the cross-sectional research (N=101) it was determined that the scales were in fact reliable that all three resources had effects on either technostrain or techno engagement. Moreover the challenge or hindrance appraisal of some resources could moderate the relationship, adding an extra dimension to the data collected. This study provides additional proof for the role of resources, appraisal and technostrain and makes the first step in developing a scale aimed at technological engagement in the workplace specifically.