17th Congress of the European Association of Work and Organizational Psychology
Sprache des Tagungstitel:
Englisch
Original Kurzfassung:
Purpose: Social media use is often condemned and harshly restricted at offices and work stations. The present study aims to detect positive effects of social media use in work processes on job satisfaction and employees mental health. It is assumed that social media use is related to Jahoda?s latent benefits of work, which in turn are responsible for boosting job satisfaction and mental health.
Design/Methodology: An online survey was conducted which yielded 274 responses, of which 199 made it into the final data analysis. The survey included scales to measure digital literacy, Jahoda?s described latent benefits of work, mental health, and job satisfaction.
Results: Evidence showed that social media use in work contexts is beneficial for the latent functions of work construct, especially regarding the social subscales (social contact, collective purpose).
Limitations: The results are limited by self-reported data. Additionally, the participants work in a variety of industries, including some with none at all or only very limited possibilities of work-related social media usage.
Research/Practical Implications: The results indicate the usefulness of social media applications to be incorporated into work environments and processes to strengthen social cohesion and bonds at work. Further research should look at job performance outcomes and job commitment due to social media use, such as following the company?s Facebook page.
Originality/Value: The study established first hints and links of social media use impact on latent benefits at work.