“DIGITALLY TOGETHER, PROFESSIONALLY APART: HOW INDIVIDUAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXTS SHAPE TASK INNOVATIVENESS: PROFESSIONAL ISOLATION AS A BOUNDARY CONDITION”

Abstract

Remote work is a necessity for many employees short of being an operational requirement. Most literature tries to analyze the ‘implosive’ effects of remote work using overly positive hedonic models which tend to ignore the psychology of the digital imposition. The study aims to analyze remote work from the negative perspective using the combined constructs of the Resource Based View (RBV) and Technostress. We aim to unpack the impact of Technostress on Wellbeing and Perceived Productivity and drain in Technostress and the impact of individual traits (Individual Innovativeness) and the (IS underscore) Upskilling Framework as Technological resources on Task innovativeness. We also analyze Professional Isolation as a significant boundary condition. Using convenience sampling technique, we surveyed 88 remote working professionals from Multan. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we found Professional Isolation to have a dampening effect on the positive relationship impact of innovation and productivity. In summary, Technostress negatively impacts Wellbeing and, as a consequence, Perceived Productivity. It is significant to note that Professional Isolation moderates these effects. The study concludes that the telework arrangements are sustainable only if there is sufficiently advanced technology, and there are supportive social structures that alleviate employee isolation and stress.