The Curvilinear Linkage between Workplace Interruptions and Task Performance: The Role of Mindfulness

Talpur, Qurat Ul Ain; Murtaza, Ghulam; Khan, Rahman; Hobfoll, Stevan

Abstract

This study tests the interactive model of workplace interruptions such as intrusions, distractions, discrepancy detections, and breaks with task performance. Specifically, we suggest the curvilinear role of workplace interruptions in predicting task performance. In addition, we explore how mindfulness moderates these nonlinear relationships. Using time-lagged multi-sourced survey data from 323 supervisor-subordinates working in manufacturing, retail, and service industries, our results show significant inverted U-shaped relationships of intrusions and breaks with employee task performance. Furthermore, these relationships are significantly moderated by employees’ mindfulness. We confirmed that workplace interruptions might not necessarily be wrong, but the level of occurrence coupled with an individual’s psychological resource, i.e., mindfulness, predicts employees’ task performance. Based on these findings, we discuss the importance of workplace interruptions and mindfulness resources for effective performance.

Citation

Talpur, Q. U. A., Murtaza, G., Khan, R., & Hobfoll, S. (2023, August). The Curvilinear Linkage between Workplace Interruptions and Task Performance: The Role of Mindfulness. Presented at Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Boston, USA

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: Academy of Management Annual Meeting
• Start Date: Aug 4, 2023
• End Date: Aug 8, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 23, 2025
• Journal: Academy of Management Proceedings
• Print ISSN: 0065-0668
• Electronic ISSN: 2151-6561
• Publisher: Academy of Management
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2023
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/amproc.2023.11032abstract