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Multitasking Effects on Individual Performance: An Experimental Eye-Tracking Study

Author

Listed:
  • Malgorzata Marchewka
  • Janusz Nesterak
  • Mariusz Sołtysik
  • Wojciech Szymla
  • Magdalena Wojnarowska

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of this research is to identify the impact of parallel performance of various tasks on the individual effectiveness. Moreover, a methodological goal was set for the research to explore the possibilities of using eye-tracking in the studies of multitasking. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in the form of an experiment. All participants worked at the same computer station time was measured with Eye Tracker. Findings: It was confirmed that multitasking requires more time to accomplish tasks and deteriorates creativity, but not correctness of the answers in case of simple tasks. Interestingly, in case of multitasking under time pressure, the performance was worse. Practical Implications: Deeper understanding of the determinants and effects of multitasking on organizational and individual performance enables the adjustment of work organization and management style in order to achieve optimal results. Originality/Value: This paper brings new insights to the studies of multitasking not only in terms of the results of an experimental research, but also in terms of methodological concerns like eye-tracking as a new method of empirical diagnosis.

Suggested Citation

  • Malgorzata Marchewka & Janusz Nesterak & Mariusz Sołtysik & Wojciech Szymla & Magdalena Wojnarowska, 2020. "Multitasking Effects on Individual Performance: An Experimental Eye-Tracking Study," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(1), pages 107-116.
    • Handle: RePEc:ers:journl:v:xxiii:y:2020:i:1:p:107-116
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nannerup, Niels & Olsen, Kasper Krogh, 2014. "Multitasking and performance measurement," Discussion Papers on Economics 20/2014, University of Southern Denmark, Department of Economics.
    2. Shingo Takahashi, 2011. "How Multi-Tasking Job Designs Affect Productivity: Evidence from the Australian Coal Mining Industry," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 64(5), pages 841-862, October.
    3. Sinan Aral & Erik Brynjolfsson & Marshall Van Alstyne, 2012. "Information, Technology, and Information Worker Productivity," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 23(3-part-2), pages 849-867, September.
    4. Nicholas G. Hall & Joseph Y.-T. Leung & Chung-Lun Li, 2015. "The Effects of Multitasking on Operations Scheduling," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 24(8), pages 1248-1265, August.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multitasking; individual performance; eye-tracking.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation

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