The effects of uncompensated-telework on work withdrawal and personal initiative via energy: the moderating role of fairness

Research has given conflicting results regarding the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for work-related tasks during non-work time and the outcomes for employees and organizations. In this study, I use self-determination theory to examine the interactive effects of uncompensated work using ICTs during non-work hours (uncompensated-telework) and uncompensated-telework fairness on potential positive and negative work behaviors – work withdrawal and personal initiative; and whether human energy mediates these linkages. I argue that when employees perceive uncompensated-telework is unfair, they will subsequently report losing energy when using ICTs to work outside of the work domain. Furthermore, these perceptions of energy loss can initiate undesirable coping strategies in which employees with low level of energy begin to withdraw from work in the work domain. In addition, I demonstrate that perception of energy gain lead to personal initiative in the work domain. Data collected in three phases over six weeks from more than 700 US employees provide support for these hypotheses. A latent moderated and mediation structural equation procedure approach is used to test the hypotheses.LimitedAuthor requested closed access (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD syste