Understanding the effects of specific techno-stressors on strain and job performance: a meta-analysis of the empirical evidence

Abstract

Purpose

While the phenomenon of technostress has received significant attention from researchers in recent years, empirical findings concerning the consequences of specific forms of techno-stressors have remained scattered and contradictory. The authors aim to integrate the conclusions of previous studies to understand the effects of specific techno-stressors on strain and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs meta-analytic techniques to calibrate the findings of 67 studies investigating more than 63,100 employees.

Findings

In general, not all techno-stressors have adverse effects. In particular, techno-uncertainty does not impact job performance. In addition, relative weight analyses reveal the relative importance of techno-complexity and techno-insecurity as predictors of both strain and job performance. Finally, this study finds that the effects of specific techno-stressors on job performance vary depending on research participants' gender, educational attainment and employment status.

Originality/value

First, this study provides a more nuanced view of the effects of specific techno-stressors. Second, this research clarifies the relative importance of specific techno-stressors as predictors of strain and job performance. Finally, this study reveals the moderating effects of demographic variables on the relationships between specific techno-stressors and job performance.

Citation

Yuan, Q., Kong, J., Liu, C. and Jiang, Y. (2023), "Understanding the effects of specific techno-stressors on strain and job performance: a meta-analysis of the empirical evidence", Information Technology & People, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-08-2022-0639