Technostress in the age of information communication technology: A case study of distance education

Research Article

Agbu Jane-Frances O and Olubiy

Abstract

The study assessed symptoms and manifestations of technostress among workers. The study was carried out to determine the levels of technostress among academic and administrative staff of an open and distance learning institution, ascertained the influence of age and gender on manifestations of technostress and inquired the relationship between computer hassles and stress manifestations. 101; academic (52) and administrative (49) participants, in the age range of 20-69, mean age: 35 years, were randomly selected for the study. They responded to a 22 item, likert-type, two sub-scale, technostress questionnaire designed for the study. Their responses were analyzed with mean, SD, t-test, ANOVA and correlation statistics. (i) Academic staff manifested significantly higher levels of technostress than the non-academic staff (at t = 6.97 (computer hassles); 6.89 (stress reaction), critical t = 1 69). (ii) Older respondents manifested higher levels of technostress than younger respondents. (iii) No significant differences were obtained for male and female participants on technostress manifestation. (iv) A positive correlation was observed between computer hassles and stress reaction (at obtained value .55, Critical r = .195). Improved ICT training and stress management interventions were suggested as important process for enhancing individual and professional well-being.

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