Understanding the Social Implications of Technological Multitasking: A Conceptual Model

Abstract

Multitasking is common in today‟s technology-enabled organizations. However, little attention has been paid to the social meaning and consequences of multitasking. We focus on technological multitasking - which we define as rapid task switching involving information technologies - in situations involving co-location and interpersonal interaction, such as checking e-mail during a meeting or instant messaging during group work. We argue that technological multitasking generates social perceptions and present a conceptual model linking these perceptions to situational factors and performance.