Theory-based model of factors affecting information overload

Abstract

Citation: JACKSON, T. and FARZANEH, P., 2012. Theory-based model of factors affecting information overload. International Journal of Information Management, 32 (6), pp.523-532. Additional Information:• This is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication As the volume of available information increases, individuals and organisations become overwhelmed by the plethora of information. This can reduce productivity and performance, hinder learning and innovation, affect decision making and well-being and cost organisations large amounts of money. This paper develops a new theory-based model of factors affecting information overload and provides a formula for calculating the extent of overload, potentially of use as a diagnostic tool supporting individual or organisational development.Two methods for categorising factors that contribute to the overload phenomena are introduced. The first method separates those factors based on their direct or indirect effect on information overload, called intrinsic and extraneous factors respectively. The second method divides factors based on whether or not the factor increases or decreases information overload likelihood and tags those factors in terms of 'For' or 'Against'. These new methods for categorisation not only assisted in the development of the conceptual model and in creating the formula, but could be used in other aspects of information overload research, such as finding and evaluating countermeasures to information overload. The model and the formula presented in the paper provide a significant contribution to the information overload body of research.

A study of factors that contribute to online review helpfulness

“…The effect of too much information, or information overload, has also been documented in empirical studies. ''Information overload'' refers to the variety and quantity of stimuli that exceeds the receiver's ability to integrate and process them (Jackson & Farzaneh, 2012;Jacoby, 1977;McCormick, 1970). With the increasing use of information technology, the overabundance of information has become a bigger issue than lack of information (Simperl et al, 2010).…”

“…Initially, words count was important in order to make the review message informative. As the length of a review grows longer, the increase in the utility presented in the review may be offset by an increased demand of readers' mental capacity (Jackson & Farzaneh, 2012;Kanouse, 1984). When this happens, readers could choose to skim through the message or abandon it prematurely, giving the message less chance to be helpful.…”

The role of numeracy and information load in the tourist decision‐making process

“…Information overload in the consumer is triggered by a series of general and specific factors (Chernev, Böckenholt, & Goodman, 2015;Eppler & Mengis, 2004). Among the former, of particular importance are personal factors, which include: experience of particular tasks that deliver certain outcomes; skill indicators such as reading speed and speed of analysis; and a person's preferred ways of gathering, organizing, analyzing, or recalling information and experience (i.e., their cognitive style; Jackson & Farzaneh, 2012). Other general factors that are used to determine information overload subjectively include motivation of the person and personal situation (Eppler & Mengis, 2004).…”

Why Forwarded E-Mail Threads are Hard to Read: The E-Mail Format as an Antecedent of E-Mail Overload

“…After discussing this viewpoint (e.g., Malhotra, Jain, & Lagakos, 1982), researchers have extended this perspective using the antecedent of available time (Schick, Gordon, & Haka, 1990). These two antecedents form the intrinsic factors of information overload (Jackson & Farzaneh, 2004) and are included in the contemporary understanding of information overload (Eppler & Mengis, 2004).…”