Work-Related Use of Information and Communication Technologies After Hours (W_ICTs) and Work-Family Conflict: A Moderated Mediation Model

Abstract

Work-related use of information and communication technologies after hours (W_ICTs) has significant impacts on both organizations and individuals. However, limited research has explored the detrimental effects of W_ICTs behavior on work-family conflict. To fill this gap, based upon the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and daily diary design with a multilevel model method, we collected 76 employees who completed a 5-day investigation, resulting in 380 observations. Our study found that engaging in W_ICTs behavior positively influenced employees’ own work role overload, which led to an increase in work-family conflict. Furthermore, we found that the positive relationship between work role overload and work-family conflict is stronger when employees’ job autonomy is at lower levels. Our findings provide strong support for the proposed moderated mediation model and extend our understanding of W_ICTs behaviors consequences.