Boundary-crossing ICT use – A scoping review of the current literature and a road map for future research

Abstract

Research on the use of digital devices to conduct tasks across work and non-work domains (i.e., boundary-crossing ICT use) grows rapidly. To gain an overview of this expanding field, we conducted a systematic search in 14 databases (e.g., WoS, PsycINFO) for studies examining the outcomes of performing 1) work-related tasks during non-work time and 2) non-work tasks during work time. After screening 17,388 abstracts, 398 were read in full text, and 159 publications were included. Most studies used cross-sectional interviews or self-report survey data of employees in high-income countries. The work-family interface, individual work and health outcomes were commonly studied, while family and organizational outcomes received little attention. Moreover, research with a multilevel perspective and studies examining objective outcomes (e.g., divorce, sick leave) were scarce and the performance of non-work tasks during work time was often ignored. Despite the burgeoning literature, there is an urgent need to arrive at a common conceptualization and operationalization of boundary-crossing ICT use to be able to compare findings across studies and disciplines. We suggest a new definition and future agenda to contribute to a deeper understanding of the field.