The Productivity Paradox: Finding Efficiency in an Age of Distractions

By Clara Wintershade

In "The Productivity Paradox: Finding Efficiency in an Age of Distractions," author Clara Wintershade delves into the complex relationship between Information Systems (IS) and productivity. As modern workplaces become inundated with incessant emails, ringing phones, and constant interruptions, the promise of increased efficiency through technolo

• Language: English
• Publisher: RWG Publishing
• Release date: Jun 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330254910

Book preview

1

Introduction

For the purposes of this paper, Information Systems (IS) refer to information technology, systems needed to store, capture, process, and analyze data and information. Productivity refers to the factors that measure the efficiency in the generation of products or services. Productivity can also be defined relative to others, based on the comparison of the production of certain goods or services in the time it takes to produce them, or a related price. At the same time, depending on which economic model is analyzed, the most widely used variable in this type of study changes. For example with a microeconomic characteristic, researchers look for variables such as: labor, capital, entrepreneurship, technology and economics of the organization. At the macroeconomic level, in terms of information technology, GDP is commonly used. This means that the concept of productivity is closely linked to what is being analyzed, the organization, a country, a region, or, otherwise, the global economy.

Anyone who has worked in an office knows how easy it is to get sidelined by the demands of the day. In the modern office, it is increasingly common for workers to arrive at work and, between the advent of email that never seems to stop, ever-ringing mobile phones, colleagues snooping around and other distractions. The apparent benefits of Information Systems (IS) can sometimes be negated. On the other hand, research has shown that IS have the potential to increase the productivity experienced in the workplace, providing room for great improvement in the organizations that succeed in integrating them efficiently into their processes. The goal of this paper is to relate two different models that address the impact of IS on productivity, and to provide an explanation about why the relationship between these variables seems paradoxical, and the scenarios in which it is valid.

1.1. Defining productivity

Productivity is a word, a concept, a practice, and a guiding principle that is both heard and practiced daily in organizations of every size. . . People talk about 'productivity' all the time. Most of the talk is not very productive, writes Drucker. The problem with most organizations, he claims, is that they are managed for yesterday. This is especially true when it comes to changes within the world of technology. According to Penrose, the main contribution technology's introduction offers that it turns economic value into technological opportunity, the creation of new interconnected technologies and often entirely new ways of doing things.

What is productivity? To many people in the business world, it still means squeezing as much work as possible from employees, both at the individual and collective levels. Then, there's Peter Drucker. He would probably define productivity as the best use of an organization's knowledge, talent, and resources. It's an organization's most powerful, most critical business tool. Productive organizations, he would also believe, don't just run more smoothly; they use people to their fullest, which allows the employees to experience the meaningful benefits of their work and to infuse their energy and creativity into their organizations.

2

Understanding Distractions

Any stimulus often has an unwanted element leading to competing tasks and attention. Reading a book or texting while driving