Effect of computer system performance and other work stressors on strain of office workers

Abstract

This study examines the effect of computer system performance and job stressors (demands, support, content, and organizational and task control) on worker strain in a population of 171 office workers in a public service organization. Results show that computer system performance had mainly an indirect effect on worker strain. Computer problems had an indirect effect on strain via job demands and support. Duration of computer problems had an indirect effect on strain via job demands. Computer resources had an indirect effect on both indicators of strain via task control, and a direct effect only on mood disturbances. Results of this study partially confirm previous studies (Carayon-Sainfort, 1992; Asakura and Fujigaki, 1993) that show an indirect effect of computer system performance on strain via job stressors. © 1995 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.