High Task Complexity Research Articles

From thriving to task focus: the role of needs-supplies fit and task complexity

Can thriving at work be a self-sustaining phenomenon? In our study we incorporated the person-environment fit perspective into socially embedded model of thriving by Spreitzer’s et al. (Organization Science, 16(5), 537–549, 2005) to explore how and when thriving affects individuals’ task focus, an agentic behavior often considered an antecedent of thriving. We proposed that individuals who thrive at work tend to perceive that the rewards supplied by the job meet their needs of growth and development, which leads to more focus on their tasks. We also proposed that task complexity interacts with thriving to influence the mechanism of needs-supplies (N-S) fit. Based on two-wave data from 170 product engineers, the results of our study showed that thriving indirectly affects task focus through perceived N-S fit. When faced with high-complexity tasks, high-thriving employees generated higher N-S fit perceptions. When thriving was low, N-S fit was highest in in the low-complexity task context, suggesting that matching thriving to task complexity could be an important strategy by which managers might maintain higher levels of task focus, which we speculate could in turn promote thriving. Our study advances research on thriving, fit perceptions and work behavior by revealing these relationships.

Complexity affects performance, cognitive load, and awareness

BackgroundProblem-solving encourages learners to engage in deep knowledge processing. However, merely providing problem-solving activities without considering task complexity may not optimize learning. AimsThe present study analyzed the effects of task complexity (consistently high vs. gradually increasing) on performance, germane cognitive load, meta-awareness, and intrinsic interest using a learning task conducted in a laboratory. SampleWe analyzed data collected from 98 graduate and ungraduated university students (N = 98; Mage = 21.22 years, SD = 3.03). MethodsThe study comprised a main session and a post-test. During the main session participants completed a problem-solving task either with consistently high complexity or gradually increasing complexity. During the post-test all participants solved the task once with high complexity. Metacognition (regulation, knowledge), germane cognitive load, meta-awareness, and intrinsic interest were assessed by self-evaluation questionnaires. ResultsThe findings indicated positive effects of consistently high complexity on immediate performance, germane cognitive load, and meta-awareness. Additionally, an important relationship between metacognition (regulation, knowledge) and meta-awareness was identified when learning with gradually increasing complexity. However, no impact of task complexity on intrinsic interest was found. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that exposing learners to consistently high complexity tasks can have beneficial effects on learning without negatively influencing intrinsic interest.

Mental Workload as a Predictor of ATCO’s Performance: Lessons Learnt from ATM Task-Related Experiments

Air Traffic Controllers’ (ATCos) mental workload is likely to remain the specific greatest functional limitation on the capacity of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. Developing computational models to monitor mental workload and task complexity is essential for enabling ATCOs and ATM systems to adapt to varying task demands. Most methodologies have computed task complexity based on basic parameters such as air-traffic density; however, literature research has shown that it also depends on many other factors. In this paper, we present a study in which we explored the possibility of predicting task complexity and performance through mental workload measurements of participants performing an ATM task in an air-traffic control simulator. Our findings suggest that mental workload measurements better predict poor performance and high task complexity peaks than other established factors. This underscores their potential for research into how different ATM factors affect task complexity. Understanding the role and the weight of these factors in the overall task complexity confronted by ATCos constitutes one of the biggest challenges currently faced by the ATM sphere and would significantly contribute to the safety of our sky.

Influence of virtual reality and task complexity on digital health metrics assessing upper limb function

BackgroundTechnology-based assessments using 2D virtual reality (VR) environments and goal-directed instrumented tasks can deliver digital health metrics describing upper limb sensorimotor function that are expected to provide sensitive endpoints for clinical studies. Open questions remain about the influence of the VR environment and task complexity on such metrics and their clinimetric properties.MethodsWe aim to investigate the influence of VR and task complexity on the clinimetric properties of digital health metrics describing upper limb function. We relied on the Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT), a haptic VR-based assessment with a virtual manipulation task. To evaluate the influence of VR and task complexity, we designed two novel tasks derived from the VPIT, the VPIT-2H (VR environment with reduced task complexity) and the PPIT (physical task with reduced task complexity). These were administered in an observational longitudinal study with 27 able-bodied participants and 31 participants with multiple sclerosis (pwMS, VPIT and PPIT only) and the value of kinematic and kinetic metrics, their clinimetric properties, and the usability of the assessment tasks were compared.ResultsIntra-participant variability strongly increased with increasing task complexity (coefficient of variation + 56%) and was higher in the VR compared to the physical environment (+ 27%). Surprisingly, this did not translate into significant differences in the metrics’ measurement error and test–retest reliability across task conditions (p > 0.05). Responsiveness to longitudinal changes in pwMS was even significantly higher (effect size + 0.35, p < 0.05) for the VR task with high task complexity compared to the physical instrumented task with low task complexity. Increased inter-participant variability might have compensated for the increased intra-participant variability to maintain good clinimetric properties. No significant influence of task condition on concurrent validity was present in pwMS. Lastly, pwMS rated the PPIT with higher usability than the VPIT (System Usability Scale + 7.5, p < 0.05).ConclusionThe metrics of both the VR haptic- and physical task-based instrumented assessments showed adequate clinimetric properties. The VR haptic-based assessment may be superior when longitudinally assessing pwMS due to its increased responsiveness. The physical instrumented task may be advantageous for regular clinical use due to its higher usability. These findings highlight that both assessments should be further validated for their ideal use-cases.

The Use of Shared Service Centers in the Audit Industry and the Impact on Financial Analyst Perceptions

ABSTRACT Audit firms are increasingly using shared service centers (SSCs). There are arguments suggesting an improvement or a deterioration in audit quality due to their use. We provide experimental evidence regarding the effects of SSCs on audit quality, as perceived by financial analysts. Based on survey responses from 205 financial analysts, we investigate whether using SSCs effects perceived audit quality and whether the SSC’s location and task complexity matter. We find that SSC involvement negatively impacts perceived audit quality, and the additional outsourcing of complex tasks exacerbates this effect. We demonstrate that the SSC’s location does not have a significant effect on perceived audit quality. Finally, when outsourcing additional high-complexity tasks, the interaction between location and task complexity leads to a significant negative impact on perceived audit quality.

Assessing Implicit Theories in Sexual Offending Using Indirect Measures: Feasibility, Reliability, and Incremental Validity.

This study assessed psychometric qualities of indirect measures assessing Implicit Theories (ITs) of sexual offending: Implicit Association Task (IAT), Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), and Relational Responding Task (RRT). For comparison reasons, aggressive behavior was also assessed. In a male sample from the general population (N = 109), we assessed each measure's (a) feasibility (mean latency, error rate, passing criteria), (b) internal consistency, (c) convergent and discriminant validity, and (d) incremental and predictive validity. Results indicated that no indirect measure met all criteria. Although the IAT was reasonably feasible and reliable in measuring aggression, ITs could not be reliably assessed. The RRT was feasible and somewhat reliable in assessing ITs, whereas the IRAP showed limited feasibility, high task complexity, low reliability, and the presence of a method factor. No measure had incremental predictive validity over the use of self-report measures, although we note that the power to detect such associations was limited. As none of the indirect measures performed satisfactorily on the measured criteria, the use of these measures in clinical practice seems currently unwarranted to assess ITs.

Impact of the Use of Emerging Technologies on Organisational Knowledge-creation Capability by Task Complexity

In the context of knowledge-based economy, an organisation’s ability to create knowledge is the most important factor in maintaining its competitiveness. Collective intelligence is posited as a paramount methodology not only for the generation of knowledge pertaining to multifaceted issues but also as a fundamental pillar within the framework of organizational knowledge management. The use of emerging technologies is an important strategy for improving the organisation’s ability to create knowledge through collective intelligence by adding depth and breadth of knowledge. However, excessive use of technology often has a negative impact on organisational knowledge management. Therefore, this study aims to identify the two-sided effect of using emerging technologies (big data analytics (BDA) and online platforms) on organisational knowledge creation according to the complexity of the task. The results of our study suggest that the use of BDA technology for organisational knowledge creation should be maintained at an appropriate level in general, but it is recommended to increase the use of BDA technology for low-complexity tasks. In addition, using online platform technology is difficult to consider as a strategic way to solve high-complexity tasks, but increasing the use of BDA technology can contribute to improving the organisation’s ability to create knowledge.

The scope of artificial intelligence in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) management.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to develop into a widely implemented system that could reduce the dependence on qualified professionals/experts for screening the large at-risk population, especially in the Indian scenario. Deep learning involves learning without being explicitly told what to focus on and utilizes several layers of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to create a robust algorithm that is capable of high-complexity tasks. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are a subset of ANNs that are particularly useful for image processing as well as cognitive tasks. Training of these algorithms involves inputting raw human-labeled data, which are then processed through the algorithm's multiple layers and allow CNN to develop their own learning of image features. AI systems must be validated using different population datasets since the performance of the AI system would vary according to the population. Indian datasets have been used in AI-based risk model that could predict whether an infant would develop treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). AI also served as an epidemiological tool by objectively showing that a higher ROP severity was in Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) that did not have the resources to monitor and titrate oxygen. There are rising concerns about the medicolegal aspect of AI implementation as well as discussion on the possibilities of catastrophic life-threatening diseases like retinoblastoma and lipemia retinalis being missed by AI. Computer-based systems have the advantage over humans in not being susceptible to biases or fatigue. This is especially relevant in a country like India with an increased rate of ROP and a preexisting strained doctor-to-preterm child ratio. Many AI algorithms can perform in a way comparable to or exceeding human experts, and this opens possibilities for future large-scale prospective studies.

Disclosing AI’s Involvement in Advertising to Consumers: A Task-Dependent Perspective

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the advertising industry is widespread, yet there is no consensus on whether consumers should be informed of AI’s involvement in ad placement and ad creation. In light of the importance of digital literacy, we believe that consumers have a right to know about the technology behind the ads they encounter and that scholars should lead the discussion on the issue of AI disclosure. To this end, we conducted three experimental studies to investigate how the disclosure of AI affects consumers’ word-of-mouth (WOM) intent in relation to ads. Our findings suggested that participants were more likely to share an ad placed by AI than an ad created by AI when they believed AI is capable of performing high-complexity tasks. This effect was mediated by the sequence from perceived task objectivity to machine heuristic. Our studies have important implications for both theory development and the practice of AI advertising.

ОЦІНКА СВІТЛОВОГО СЕРЕДОВИЩА З УРАХУВАННЯМ БЕЗПЕКИ ПРАЦІ ТА ПРАЦЕЗДАТНОСТІ ЛЮДЕЙ ПРИ ВИКОНАННІ РОБІТ ВИСОКОЇ ЗОРОВОЇ СКЛАДНОСТІ

Purpose. Development of a complex methodology for evaluating the production light environment when performing works of high visual complexity. Methodology is to use comparative analysis of methodical approaches to the assessment of the light environment, which is the basis for the standardization of the light environment of workplaces in the EU countries and Ukraine. The regulatory documents have been analyzed from the point of view of the impact of the light environment on work safety, work capacity, and the psychophysiological state of workers who perform visual work of high complexity, as the most vulnerable category of workers. Results. Our analysis of international and Ukrainian acts that regulate the quality of the light environment at workplaces and research methods that take into account the quality of the light environment when performing work of high visual complexity allows us to establish that they do not fully take into account the requirements for the light environment in the work area and on workplaces.Taking into account the data of the world experience when assessing working conditions by the light environment factor, the justification and selection of the light environment criteria has been carried out for the first time, which allows to qualitatively assess the influence of the light environment when performing works of high visual complexity. For the first time, an algorithm for step-by-step assessment of the quality of lighting in the workplace is proposed to assess the components of the light environment, taking into account the impact of natural and artificial lighting on work capacity, safety, and psychophysiological activity, taking into account the psychophysiological state of workers. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a scientific and practical justification and selection of criteria for the parameters of the light environment has been carried out, which allows to qualitatively assess the influence of the light environment during the performance of visual tasks of high complexity. Practical significanse. The results of the implementation of the research make it possible to improve the methods of researching the production environment. Taking into account the factor of the light environment allows to increase the safety of work of a wide category of workers in various industries, which is especially important in connection with the spread of automation of production in Ukraine and the world, and, accordingly, an increase in the category of workers performing work related to high visual load. Keywords: visual environment; lighting environment; glance; labor protection.

Peer-Assisted Learning Is More Effective at Higher Task Complexity and Difficulty.

This paper presents two studies in which a peer-assisted learning condition was compared to an individual learning condition. The first study used the paired-associates learning task and the second study used an incrementally more complex task-the remote associate test. Participants in the peer-assisted learning condition worked in groups of four. They had to solve a given problem individually and give a first answer before being able to request to see their peers' solutions; then, a second answer was issued. After six sessions of peer-assisted practice, a final individual test was administered. Peer interaction was found to benefit learning in both studies but the benefit transferred to the final test only in the second study. Fine-grained behavioral analyses and computational modeling suggested that the benefits of peer interaction were (partially) offset by its costs, particularly increased cognitive load and error exposure. Overall, the superiority of peer-assisted learning over individual learning was more pronounced in the more complex task and for the more difficult problems in that task.

Accountability focus and nurses' performance: A moderated-mediation model by using experiment design simulations.

The aim of this study was to test a moderated-mediation model, explaining how and under which circumstances a process- or an outcome-accountability focus affects performance. Randomized controlled design, using screen-based simulations. Data were collected during 2021. Two screen-based simulations of medication administration (for low- and high-complexity tasks) were used. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of the six experimental conditions. Nurses completed validated questionnaires on strain levels and their perceptions of the simulated task complexity and accountability focus. Performance was assessed via validated checklists assessing nurses' performance of the simulation. Task complexity significantly moderated the relationship between accountability-focus conditions and strain. For the process-accountability-focus condition, strain levels were lower during high-complexity tasks compared with low-complexity tasks, while for the outcome-accountability-focus condition, strain levels were lower during low-complexity tasks compared with high-complexity tasks. The highest strain levels were observed under the no accountability-focus condition. Additionally, this interaction had an impact on performance, with nurses' strain playing a mediating role. Any accountability focus reduces strain levels and enhances performance compared with having no accountability focus. The choice of accountability focus should be based on task-complexity considerations. Managers can effectively reduce nurses' strain and improve performance by prioritizing outcome accountability focus for simpler tasks and process accountability focus for complex tasks. The study addressed previous ambiguous findings regarding the type of accountability focus that better motivates nurses' performance. By considering accountability focus, nurse managers can balance nurses' strain levels with improved performance. We have adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines: CONSORT. There is no patient or public contribution, as the study only concerns the providers of the service, that is the nurses themselves.

NAVIGATING AUDIT QUALITY: UNRAVELING THE IMPACT OF OBEDIENCE, TASK COMPLEXITY, AND INDEPENDENCE

This paper investigates the intricate relationships between obedience pressure, task complexity, independence, and audit quality, drawing insights from selected studies. The research underscores the vital role of independence in mitigating external pressures, highlights the amplified impact of obedience pressure under high task complexity, and emphasizes the need for tailored training to navigate challenges. Theoretical frameworks shed light on auditor behavior, accentuating the importance of resilience and ethical conduct. Comparative analysis reveals the nuanced interplay of factors influencing audit quality, offering a holistic perspective for auditors, regulators, and stakeholders seeking to enhance trust, transparency, and accountability in the audit process

The effects of augmented reality on consumer responses in mobile shopping: The moderating role of task complexity

Augmented reality (AR) solutions help facilitate consumers' direct examinations, enhancing their shopping experiences in the digital commerce context. This study examines consumer responses to AR in mobile shopping. It investigates the relationships among perceived media richness, interactivity, telepresence, utilitarian and hedonic values, and behavioral intentions. Furthermore, it explores whether these relationships differ depending on consumers’ perceived task complexity. A total of 279 mobile application users participated in the online survey. The participants were guided to answer an online questionnaire after utilizing an AR mobile application to purchase a jewelry product. The findings reveal that media richness and interactivity positively influence telepresence, and telepresence increases behavioral intentions through perceived utilitarian and hedonic values. The effect of interactivity on telepresence and the impact of telepresence on utilitarian value are higher for consumers with low task complexity perception. By contrast, the impact of telepresence on hedonic value is higher for consumers with high task complexity perception. The results suggest practical implications for mobile retailers that apply advanced AR technology in retailing.

Motor and cognitive dual-task performance under low and high task complexity in children with and without developmental coordination disorder

BackgroundIn everyday life, tasks are often performed simultaneously, which may be more difficult for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) than their peers. AimsTo examine (1) the effects of task complexity and type of concurrent task on dual-task performance in children with and without DCD; and (2) if the amount of effort that children put into the task performance differs between the groups. MethodsParticipants were 64 children with and without DCD (aged 7–14 years). The dual-task paradigm consisted of a manual dexterity task of relatively low complexity (box and block test) or relatively high complexity (pegboard task), and a concurrent motor task (cycling task) or a concurrent cognitive task (word-listening task). To assess mental effort, children were asked how tired they felt before and after the experiment. ResultsDual-task interference was highest when the manual dexterity task of relatively high complexity was combined with the concurrent motor task. There were no group differences in dual-task interference, but children with DCD reported a larger increase in the level of tiredness after the experiment indicative of greater mental effort. ConclusionsDepending on task demands, children with DCD are able to perform dual-tasks at the same level as their peers, but performance may take children with DCD more mental effort.

Large-scale projects with digital performance-based contracting: the ultimate solution for governance control

Large-scale projects are characterised by high task complexity, intense dynamics and uncertainties, and the involvement of numerous organisations. These characteristics provide the basis for governance problems such as conflicts of interest and information asymmetries. This study explores the impact of a transition from traditional contacting to performance-based contracting (PBC) on these challenges and the interplay between relational and contractual governance. In addition, this study explores how advanced digital technologies may help improve PBC's effect on governance. Both aims are addressed through an in-depth analysis of two case studies from large-scale German aerospace projects. The findings indicate that PBC can help enhance governance in large-scale projects by controlling the outcome and aligning goals. They also acknowledge the potential of behavioural control through advanced digital technologies that supply real-time information during service delivery. However, the supplier must be able to fully control the outcome for the approach to deliver the intended success.

Deep learning-based recommendation method for top-K tasks in software crowdsourcing systems

The task personalized recommendation problems in software crowdsourcing systems have unique characteristics, i.e., large task flow, high task complexity, long development cycle, winning task competitions, professional ability requirements, etc. However, existing software crowdsourcing recommendation mechanisms do not consider the contextual information of crowdsourcing tasks. In particular, the effects of crowdsourcing workers' interest changes and capability constraints on task selection are usually ignored. Therefore, this study proposes a new worker capability-correction long- and short-term attention network (CLSAN) recommendation framework. Firstly, explicit and implicit features are obtained from the feature data of crowdsourcing workers and historical crowdsourcing tasks. The long-term and short-term feature layers are extracted by adding LSTM to the historical tasks; the attention weight of user preference is calculated by integrating the attention mechanism to obtain each user's personalized preference. Secondly, this study considers that the capabilities of the worker need to be matched with the skills required for the software task. We design a worker capability correction model that uses Word2Vec software to obtain competency similarities between crowdsourcing workers and tasks, thereby determining the priority of tasks that satisfy the worker's capability. The experimental results show that CLSAN can accurately evaluate the changes of interest preferences of crowdsourcing workers, and effectively improve the quality and efficiency of crowdsourcing recommendations.

The aftermath of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest for young exercisers - a qualitative study in Norway

BackgroundWhen surviving a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of surviving may be present for months or years. The survivors' family and colleagues are also highly affected by the incident. There is little knowledge about experiences of surviving SCA in individuals who prior to the incident were young and reported to exercise regularly. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore the aftermath of surviving a SCA in young, regular exercisers.MethodsThe study had a qualitative design, conducting in-depth individual interviews with SCA survivors < 50 years of age reporting to exercise ≥ 5 h/week and/or who suffered SCA during or less than 60 min after exercise. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation in-line with recommendations from Malterud.Results18 of 31 eligible participants were included in the study. Through analysis we identified ‘Establishing a new everyday life’ as superordinate category, with subordinate categories a) being part of my surroundings, b) expecting normality but facing a new reality and c) lucky to be alive!ConclusionThis study adds knowledge about young and regular exercisers’ experiences after surviving a SCA. The obligations of everyday life in young survivors of SCA often imply a high work load and complex tasks, e.g. due to being in the beginning of their career or even still studying. Healthcare personnel, as well as the society, need to acknowledge that although lucky to be alive and apparently well-functioning, young survivors of SCA may have persistent challenges that cause frustration and reduced quality of life.

Paradoxical Leadership and Involvement in Creative Task via Creative Self-Efficacy: A Moderated Mediation Role of Task Complexity.

Modern organizational environments encounter serious competition and paradoxical situations. This study discusses the effect of paradoxical leadership on overcoming competitive and paradoxical situations happening in the Korean workplace. More specifically, it investigates the dynamic relationship between paradoxical leadership and involvement in creative tasks in a Korean context and examines whether creative self-efficacy positively mediates this relationship. Our research design addresses the moderating role and moderated mediating role of task complexity in the relationship between paradoxical leadership and the involvement in creative tasks via creative self-efficacy. The main hypotheses were tested by using a cross-sectional design and administering questionnaires to 268 employees working in Korean firms. Empirical analysis revealed that paradoxical leadership is positively related to involvement in creative tasks and creative self-efficacy and that creative self-efficacy positively mediated the relationship between paradoxical leadership and involvement in creative tasks. Importantly, as the relationship between paradoxical leadership and creative self-efficacy depends on task complexity, the mediated relationship was effective under high task complexity. Uncovering the relationship between paradoxical leadership and involvement in creative tasks with the mediating role of creative self-efficacy and the moderated mediating role of task complexity can provide useful theoretical and managerial implications.

An empirical investigation of governance mechanism choices in service outsourcing

PurposeDrawing on transaction cost economics (TCE) theory and organizational information processing theory (OIPT), this study investigates how the alignments between the characteristics of service (i.e. task complexity and measurement ambiguity) and governance mechanisms (i.e. contract specificity and monitoring) can affect service performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a rigorously designed survey to collect data from professionals who manage service outsourcing contracts in various industries. The respondent pool consists of randomly selected members of the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). The authors’ research question is analyzed using 261 completed and useable responses. Structural equation modeling is adopted to examine the data and test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe authors find that both contract specificity and monitoring have a positive impact on supplier performance. Further, for high task complexity services, contract specificity is more effective than monitoring, and for high measurement ambiguity services, the opposite is true. Moreover, the effect of contract specificity is mediated by monitoring.Practical implicationsService outsourcers should use both contract specificity and monitoring in governing outsourced services and know that the former depends on the latter during execution. Facing resource constraints, they can prioritize crafting detailed contract provisions over implementing monitoring for highly complex services but consider monitoring as the primary governance tool in services whose outcomes are difficult to measure.Originality/valueThis study is the first to couple TCE with OPIT and consider the nature of outsourced services in the choice of governance mechanisms and empirically test the simultaneous effects of contract specificity and monitoring in the context of service outsourcing.