Preferences, Behaviors, and Strategies in Multiple-Task Performance

Abstract

Given the environmental turbulence surrounding organizations today, polychronicity – the preference to attend to more than one task simultaneously – may be an increasingly important characteristic of individuals, groups, and organizations. Polychronicity and its behavioral counterpart, multitasking, are inextricably linked, but high levels of polychronicity may not lead to productive multitasking behavior, as multitasking can vary tremendously in its implementation and effectiveness. This commentary offers further clarification of the differences between polychronicity and multitasking, and it explores the role of task performance strategies in multitasking behavior.

Citation

Waller, M.J. (2007), "Preferences, Behaviors, and Strategies in Multiple-Task Performance", Dansereau, F. and Yammarino, F.J. (Ed.) Multi-Level Issues in Organizations and Time (Research in Multi-Level Issues, Vol. 6), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 239-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1475-9144(07)06011-0