A moderated mediation investigation of the influence of enterprise social media visibility on work stress

Abstract

Drawing upon the communication visibility theory, this study delves into the intricate dynamics of message transference and network translucence within the context of enterprise social media (ESM), unraveling their profound impact on information overload and social overload experienced by employees. Consequently, we examine the consequential relationship between these overwhelming cognitive burdens and the levels of work stress experienced by individuals in the organizational setting. Moreover, our study explores the moderating role of resilience, shedding light on how this intrinsic psychological trait can shape the connection among information overload, social overload, and work stress. Based on empirical analysis of the data collected from 351 ESM users, the findings demonstrate a significant positive association between message transference, network translucence, and the occurrence of information overload and social overload among employees. Furthermore, the results reveal a strong positive association among information overload and social overload over work stress. However, the salient contribution of this study lies in uncovering the pivotal moderating effect of resilience, revealing that high levels of resilience act as a buffer against the adverse impacts of information overload and social overload, leading to lower levels of work stress among individuals. By advancing our comprehension of communication visibility theory, this study adds to the theoretical underpinnings of communication visibility, resilience, and their interplay in the context of ESM while providing practical insights for employees and organizations to navigate the challenges posed by information overload, social overload, and work stress. Through its meticulous examination of these multifaceted phenomena, this study opens avenues for further research and invites scholars to probe deeper into the complex dynamics of communication visibility and resilience in the evolving landscape of contemporary organizations.