The Rate and Delay in Overload: An Investigation of Communication Overload and Channel Synchronicity on Identification and Job Satisfaction

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between communication overload and uses of diverse communication channels in terms of their level of synchronicity. Emphasis on the synchronicity of any given channel reveals how temporal elements (i.e., rate and processing time) play an important role in perceptions of communication load. Additionally, this study examines the association between communication overload, organizational identification and job satisfaction. Findings reveal: (a) both high and low synchronous channels are associated with increased reports of communication overload; (b) a mediating effect of organizational identification on the relationship between communication overload and job satisfaction; and (c) a moderating effect of communication overload on the relationship between low synchronous channels and organizational identification.

Keywords:

• Information Overload
• Communication Synchronicity
• Organizational Identification
• Job Satisfaction
• Communication Channels

Acknowledgements

A previous version of this manuscript was presented as a Top Four Student Paper in Human Communication & Technology at the National Communication Association 95th Annual Convention in Chicago, IL.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jaehee Cho

Jaehee Cho is Doctoral Student in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin

Dina Inman Ramgolam

Dina Inman Ramgolam is Doctoral Student in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin

Kimberly Mary Schaefer

Kimberly Mary Schaefer is Doctoral Student in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin

Anu Nadina Sandlin

Anu Nadina Sandlin is Doctoral Student in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin