What happened to the border? The role of mobile information technology devices on employees' work-life balance

Adisa, Toyin Ajibade, Gbadamosi, Gbolahan and Osabutey, Ellis L. C. (2017) What happened to the border? The role of mobile information technology devices on employees' work-life balance. Personnel Review, 46 (8) . pp. 1651-1671. ISSN 0048-3486 [Article] (doi:10.1108/pr-08-2016-0222)

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Abstract

Purpose: Mobile information technology devices (MITDs) are of special interest for researchers who seek to understand the role of these devices on employees’ work-life balance (WLB). This study examines the role of MITDs on employees’ WLB.

Design/methodology/approach: This article uses semi-structured interviews to investigate the role of MITDs on employees’ WLB.

Findings: The findings underscore the important role of MITDs in terms of the attainment of flexibility (how, where, and when work is done), which is significant for achieving WLB. However, the use of MITDs has blurred the division between work and non-work domains. This has inadvertently lengthened employees’ working hours, has affected their family relationships, and affected their general health and wellbeing. The evidence suggests that MITDs have the potential to improve WLB but could also lead to work-life conflict if not properly managed.

Originality/value: The study calls for a re-examination of WLB policies and practices, specifically border theory, in order to ensure that MITDs can enhance productivity without inadvertently resulting in poor WLB.

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