۱- Introduction

۲- Theoretical framework

۳- Method

۴- Results

۵- Replication study

۶- Results

۷- Discussion

۸- Managerial Implications

۹- Limitations and Future Research

۱۰- Conclusion

References

Abstract

This paper introduces boss phubbing (phone snubbing), defined as an employee’s perception that his/her immediate supervisor is distracted by his/her smartphone while in their presence, and studies its relationship with employee performance. Despite the importance of supervisor-subordinate interactions and the ubiquitous nature of smartphones, research is yet to investigate how smartphones impact important employee outcomes. Three theories are used to undergird the proposed model of relationships between boss phubbing, supervisory trust, job satisfaction, and performance: Reciprocated Social Exchange theory, Expectancy Violations theory, and Social Presence theory. A sequential mediation model was used to examine the relationships between boss phubbing and employee job performance. Two studies of US adults working in a range of industries (n=156, n=181) reveal that boss phubbing has a negative association with employee’s job performance through supervisory trust and job satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications and future research directions are also discussed.

Introduction

It would be difficult to refute the statement that smartphones are ubiquitous. The modern workplace has felt the impact of the increasing use and presence of smartphones. One in five employers state that their employees are productive less than five hours each day, and the majority (55%) of these same employers identified employee smartphone use as the major cause of workplace distraction. Twenty-eight percent of employers reported that workplace smartphone use negatively impacts the supervisor-employee relationship (Farber, 2016). With the ubiquitous status of smartphones (Yueh, Lu, & Lin, 2015), it is incumbent upon researchers to investigate how the use of these devices impacts relationships (McDaniel & Coyne, 2014). A recent study investigated the impact of “partner phubbing,” – being snubbed by your spouse or significant other using his/her cellphone in your company (Roberts & David, 2016). Phubbing (“phone snubbing”) occurs when someone in your presence is distracted by his/her cellphone instead of communicating with you. Roberts and David (2016) found that perceived partner phubbing undermined the relationship satisfaction of the phubbed partner, ultimately reduced reported life satisfaction, and increased reported symptoms of depression among the aggrieved romantic partners.