The dark side of hyperconnectivity in the accounting profession

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to understand the antecedents and consequences of using the smartphone and/or tablet by professional accountants for business purposes outside of regular working hours. More specifically, this paper aims to test the direct relationships between, on the one hand, work intensification and the use of smartphone and/or tablet and work-family conflict (WFC) and on the other hand, the indirect effect of the use of smartphones and/or tablet between work intensification and WFC. Design/methodology/approach This research was based on a cross-sectional design and quantitative method. The structural equation method was used to test the direct effect of work intensification on smartphone and/or tablet use and WFC. As for the mediation effect of smartphone and/or tablet use between work intensification and WFC, it was tested by the method of indirect effects based on a bootstrap analysis. The statistical treatments were carried out with the AMOS software v.24. Findings The results of the study indicate that work intensification increases the use of smartphones and/or tablets outside of working hours and that this variable increases the intensification of WFC through a process of mediation. Research limitations/implications This research does not take into account the moderating variables that can intervene in the model. For example, the duration of use of the smartphone, the origin of emails or messages (supervisors, customers and colleagues), the types of tasks performed outside working hours and the period of use (evening, weekend and holidays) could have significant effects on the different relationships tested in the model. Furthermore, we had all the positions held by the respondents (for example, chief financial officer, director, vice-president, partners, senior managers, management accountant, auditor, agents, analysts, accountants) grouped into one category and this may have an impact on results. Practical implications The results could be quite interesting for governments and organizations interested in advantage of the technology while reducing its disadvantages. In particular, it is important for accounting firms, which are big users of new technologies (e.g. Smart software and analytics). Indeed, both companies and professional accountants must clearly communicate their expectations regarding the use of technology for business purposes outside normal working hours. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of work intensification and the use of smartphones and/or tablets, on WFC.

Identifying the Moderating Effect of Hyperconnectivity on the Relationship between Job Demand Control Imbalance, Work-to-Family Conflict, and Health and Well-Being of Office Employees Working in the Oil and Gas Industry, Malaysia

“…The results of the fourth hypothesis show hyperconnectivity strengthens the negative relationship between work-tofamily conflict and health and well-being. Previous studies [11,[87][88][89] those supported the current findings are different. As in those studies, hyperconnectivity causes work-tofamily conflict; we extended the studies further by identifying; how hyperconnectivity moderates the effect of workto-family conflict on health and well-being.…”

“…Hyperconnectivity was measured on a 5-point Likert scale developed by Mansour et al [11], ranging from " 1 " = strongly disagree to " 5 " = strongly agree, and modified according to our study's context. Four items were used to measure this scale, for example: "I receive information and instructions extensively during my office work"; "I receive…”

“…On the one hand, it is beneficial for business progression [7]; on the other hand, it can jeopardize health and well-being by causing psychosocial hazards at work. Mansour et al [11] investigated the dark side of hyperconnectivity using a questionnaire survey and collecting data from 388 accounting professionals in Canada. They found that work intensification increases the use of smartphones/tablets outside of working hours and the use of smartphones increases the intensification of work-to-family conflict (WFC).…”

“…Hyperconnectivity affects job demand control imbalance which can also lead to extended work hours and work-to-family conflict later on. It shows that hyperconnectivity affects work-to-family conflict [11] and work-to-family conflict 2…”

“…Zoonen et al [5] investigated one aspect of hyperconnectivity, i.e., increased communication beyond working hours and termed this as technology-assisted supplemental work (TASW); they found that individuals are independent in contributing to TASW. Mansour et al [11] identified a positive relationship between hyperconnectivity and workfamily conflict mediated by work intensification (long-term changes in work-related demands). However, the effect of hyperconnectivity on employees' health and well-being has not been measured yet.…”