Thanks to Social Media, Now We Can Waste Our Time More Efficiently: Use of Social Media and Employees’ Productivity

Abstract

Previous literature presents a gap to study the mediating mechanism in the relationship between use of social media to perform a job and employees’ productivity. Based on the transactional stress and coping model, we conducted the present research to assess the serial mediation of information overload and ambiguity intolerance for this relationship. Using adapted research questionnaires, we used an online data collection technique to collect data from a sample of 232 employees working with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Results obtained through structural equation modeling, indicate significant serial mediation of information overload and ambiguity intolerance in the relationship between use of social media and overall employees’ productivity. We also found that use of social media is positively related to information overload and ambiguity intolerance and negatively related to employees’ overall productivity. The study has contributed to the literature by identifying situational, psychological, and behavioral consequences of use of social media at work. Research has discussed several implications for organizations and researchers.