ERIC Number: ED568272
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 187
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3038-4205-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Impact of a Targeted Training Program on E-Mail System Processing Capabilities and Self-Perception of E-Mail Overload
Einstein, Michael M.
ProQuest LLC, D.B.A. Dissertation, Wilmington University (Delaware)
As business e-mail volumes continue to grow and employees spend increasingly larger portions of their day processing e-mail, there is strong evidence of the negative impacts of e-mail processing, especially with respect to e-mail overload. This study sought to determine whether a training program focused on select e-mail features and processing skills could improve e-mail skills and media competencies and reduce the perception of e-mail overload in a sample of knowledge workers. The research consisted of the development and implementation of an e-mail training program based on an analysis of current e-mail research. A longitudinal study was conducted, utilizing a survey instrument to collect select demographic and e-mail utilization variables and to measure e-mail processing skills and self-perception of e-mail overload. The research found that the training delivered statistically significant improvements in the levels of e-mail knowledge, e-mail application, media usage, and triage processing, as well as a statistically significant reduction in the perception of e-mail overload. In addition, statistically significant correlations were found between e-mail overload and daily new messages, unread messages, number of folders, and management level, although a statistical correlation was not found between e-mail overload and inbox size, checking frequency, or age. Given the amount of time that knowledge workers spend processing e-mail and the dominance of e-mail as the primary communication method for corporations, there appears to be a compelling case for firms to focus additional resources on enhanced training in this important area. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Employees, Workplace Learning, Training, Electronic Mail, Cognitive Processes, Difficulty Level, Longitudinal Studies, Word Processing, Training Objectives, Statistical Significance, Correlation, Knowledge Management, Job Skills, Surveys, Improvement
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A