Multitasking as Consumer Compensatory Control

Bibliographic Data

ID2237010
AuthorsJerry J Han (0000-0002-4949-0720, corresponding author), Susan M Broniarczyk
EditorsGita V Johar, Amna Kirmani, Leonard Lee (0000-0002-8677-6488)
Year2021
Volume48
Issue3
Pages456-473
Publication date2021-10-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Consumer Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0093-5301 • E-ISSN: 1537-5277
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/jcr/ucab029
OpenAlexW3165827685
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited61

Consumer multitasking (i.e., working on multiple tasks simultaneously) is a widespread modern phenomenon, yet the literature lacks an understanding of when and why consumers multitask. We experimentally show that consumers engage in multitasking behavior as a way to compensate for feelings of low control. Specifically, across five main studies and seven web appendix studies using two different multitasking paradigms, we find that consumers feeling low (vs. high) control volitionally choose to multitask more on subsequent tasks, rather than do the tasks sequentially (i.e., one task at a time). Mediation and moderation evidence demonstrate that this effect is driven by increased motivations to use time resources efficiently for those feeling low (vs. high) control. We also find that multitasking generally results in suboptimal consumer decision-making and decreased task performance. An intervention that altered consumer lay beliefs regarding multitasking and time efficiency was effective in lowering multitasking behavior for consumers experiencing low control during the COVID-19 pandemic. By investigating a cause of consumer multitasking and the underlying mechanism, our studies contribute to research on consumer multitasking, perceptions of control, and resource allocation with important implications for advertisers and marketing managers

Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Control (management) · Distraction · Feeling · Human multitasking · Mediation · Moderation · Task (project management) · Task switching · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Computer Science · Digital Marketing and Social Media · Engineering · Mind wandering and attention · Psychology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access