After-hours work-related technology use and individuals' deviance: the role of other-initiated versus self-initiated interruptions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of after-hours work-related technology use on interpersonal, organizational and nonwork deviance through work-family conflict (WFC) by focusing on the moderating role of other- and self-initiated interruptions. Design/methodology/approach The online survey included 318 valid samples from employees working in different organizations in the Anhui provinces of the People's Republic of China. The authors applied Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) process macros for testing mediation and moderated mediation analysis while conducting path analytic procedures and bootstrapping analysis. Findings This study found that after-hours work-related technology use is positively associated with interpersonal, organizational and nonwork deviance through WFC. This positive relationship strengthens in the presence of other-initiated interruptions compared with self-initiated interruptions. The results show that as compared to self-initiated interruptions, other-initiated interruptions strengthen the relationship between after-hours work-related technology use and its outcomes in the forms of WFC and deviance. Originality/value After-hours work-related technology use is a ubiquitous phenomenon and got significant scholarly attention. However, its effect on WFC and individual deviant behaviors has never been studied. Moreover, the moderated-mediation role of self-initiated and other-initiated interruptions presents a unique and important development in the context of after-hours work-related technology use and deviant behavior.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of after-hours work-related technology use on interpersonal, organizational and nonwork deviance through work-family conflict, with a focus on the moderating role of other- and self-initiated interruptions. The findings suggest that other-initiated interruptions strengthen the relationship between after-hours work-related technology use and its outcomes. This research contributes to the understanding of the effects of technology use on work-family conflict and deviant behaviors.