An Investigation of Liking of Computers, Help Received, and Job Outcomes for Computer Workers

Abstract

The number of workers having to use computers in their jobs continues to increase. However, not all employees enjoy computer work at the same levels, and for those who do not enjoy computer work, negative outcomes are likely to result. Further, it is important to examine how work-related support from either supervisors or coworkers will minimize/buffer the relationships between not liking computer work and the consequences of job satisfaction and technology overload. We examine these hypotheses in a sample of 225 workers, from a wide range of jobs, all of whom work more than 20 hours per week on their computers. Our results show that liking computer work is positively related to job satisfaction, and supervisor computer help moderates the relationships between liking computer work and the outcomes of job satisfaction and technology work overload. Practical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are offered.