Using Distraction-Conflict Theory to Measure the Effects of Distractions on Individual Task Performance in a Wireless Mobile Environment

• Published in: Proceedings of the 38th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences p. 33c
• Main Authors: Nicholson, D.B., Parboteeah, D.V., Nicholson, J.A., Valacich, J.S.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 2005
• Subjects: Communication system security; Educational institutions; Environmental economics; Knowledge management; Mobile communication; Mobile computing; Productivity; Telephony; Wireless application protocol; Wires
• ISBN: 9780769522685; 0769522688
• ISSN: 1530-1605; 2572-6862
• DOI: 10.1109/HICSS.2005.657

Mobile wireless computing is changing the way in which people work. It is believed that mobile environments contain various distractions that can affect the performance of knowledge workers. This paper draws on distraction-conflict theory to propose a model that explains the effects of distraction on individual performance in a wireless mobile environment. Initial findings indicated that even a low-level distraction can lead to a reduction in performance. Our findings have important implications for organizations proposing wireless initiatives.