Tethered to work: A family systems approach linking mobile device use to turnover intentions

J Appl Psychol. 2016 Apr;101(4):520-34. doi: 10.1037/apl0000075. Epub 2015 Dec 14.

Abstract

We examined the use of a mobile device for work during family time (mWork) to determine the role that it plays in employee turnover intentions. Using a sample of 344 job incumbents and their spouses, we propose a family systems model of turnover and examine 2 paths through which we expect mWork to relate to turnover intentions: the job incumbent and the spouse. From the job incumbent, we found that the job incumbent's mWork associated with greater work-to-family conflict and burnout, and lower organizational commitment. From the spouse, we found that incumbent mWork and greater work-to-family conflict associated with increased resentment by the spouse and lower spousal commitment to the job incumbent's organization. Both of these paths played a role in predicting job incumbent turnover intentions. We discuss implications and opportunities for future research on mWork for integrating work and family into employee turnover intentions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Phone / statistics & numerical data*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Family Conflict / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Personnel Turnover / statistics & numerical data*
  • Spouses / psychology
  • Work / psychology*