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The mediating role of social presence in the relationship between shadow IT usage and individual performance: a social presence theory perspective

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The use of unauthorised technologies in the workplace, called shadow IT, is increasing within organisations. Research has identified that employees frequently use unauthorised solutions to collaborate and communicate at work, which can ultimately enhance their performance. This research aims to examine the mediating role of social presence on the relationship between shadow IT usage and individual performance. We performed a survey among 286 employees from three large companies. The results show a positive relationship between shadow IT usage and social presence, suggesting that some aspects of social presence, such as perceived higher levels of sensitivity and comprehension, are significant outcomes related to the use of shadow IT. The results also provide empirical evidence to show social presence has a mediating role in the relationship of shadow IT usage and individual performance. Thereby, this research contributes by providing new insights into the consequences of shadow IT usage, and partially explaining the impact the use of shadow IT has on employee performance. In addition, the findings highlight the importance of social presence in relation to technology-mediated communication within organisations.

Source: Behaviour and Information Technology

DOI: 10.1080/0144929x.2019.1702100

Authors: Gabriela Labres Mallmann, Antonio Carlos Gastaud Maçada

Institution: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Language: English

Topic: Technology Adoption and User Behaviour

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funders: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico