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Unexpected Work Intrusions into Employees' Personal Lives:
Investigation, Measure Development, and Exploration of Causes
and Consequences
Angela R. Grotto
The Graduate Center, City University of New York
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UNEXPECTED WORK INTRUSIONS INTO EMPLOYEES’ PERSONAL LIVES:
INVESTIGATION, MEASURE DEVELOPMENT, AND
EXPLORATION OF CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES
By
ANGELA R. GROTTO
A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty in Psychology in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
The City University of New York
2013
Unexpected Work Intrusions ii
© 2013
ANGELA R. GROTTO
All Rights Reserved
Abstract
Unexpected Work Intrusions iii
This manuscript has been read and accepted for the
Graduate Faculty in Industrial and Organizational Psychology in satisfaction of the
dissertation requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Karen S. Lyness, Ph.D.
April 22, 2013
Date Chair of Examining Committee
Maureen O'Connor, Ph.D.
April 22, 2013
Date Executive Officer
Harold W. Goldstein, Ph.D.
Caryn E. Medved, Ph.D.
Kristen M. Shockley, Ph.D.
Pamela Stone, Ph.D.
Supervisory Committee
THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Unexpected Work Intrusions iv
UNEXPECTED WORK INTRUSIONS INTO EMPLOYEES’ PERSONAL LIVES:
INVESTIGATION, MEASURE DEVELOPMENT, AND
EXPLORATION OF CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES
by
Angela R. Grotto
Advisor: Dr. Karen S. Lyness
The present research explored unplanned work performed during employees’
nonwork hours in response to unexpected work intrusions. Three studies were conducted
to achieve four goals: 1) better understand the nature of switching from nonwork roles to
the work role in response to work intrusions during nonwork hours, 2) help distinguish
unplanned role switching from planned role transitions (e.g., bringing work home), 3)
develop and validate new episodic measures of work intrusions and three aspects of
unplanned nonwork-to-work role switching (frequency, mental difficulty, and physical
effort), and 4) begin developing a nomological net of antecedent and outcomes variables
surrounding the construct. In Study 1 I conducted employee interviews using the critical
incident technique to clarify the nature of unplanned role switching and how it differs
from planned role transitions. Analysis of rich qualitative data revealed important
characteristics of unplanned role switching that help differentiate it from planned role
transitions. The qualitative data also helped in developing episodic measures of work
intrusions and unplanned role switching. In Study 2, the new measures were refined
based on feedback from subject matters experts and interviewees from Study 1. Study 3
was a repeated measures design in which the refined measures from Study 2 were
administered during a 10-day daily study period to assess employees’ responses to
discrete work intrusions during a typical workweek. Antecedents (individual differences
Unexpected Work Intrusions v
and job characteristics) and outcomes (work interference with nonwork, burnout, and
poor physical health symptoms) were examined using HLM. Results indicated that the
antecedents differed for the three aspects of unplanned role switching. However,
exploratory results demonstrated the importance of work intrusion characteristics in
predicting all three aspects of unplanned role switching. Additionally, Study 3 results
underscored the importance of examining intrusions and unplanned role switching, as
both were related to negative employee outcomes, such as poor physical health
symptoms. Also, the outcomes differed for the three aspects of unplanned role switching,
indicating that it is a complex construct with distinct psychological and physical
processes. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed, as
well as ideas for future research.
Unexpected Work Intrusions vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The story of my education began long before I entered the doctoral program at
Baruch. Each year of my schooling guided me, many passionate teachers and professors
inspired me, and many critical decisions I made along the way led me to the doorstep of
my doctoral education. Yet nothing could prepare me for the most challenging phase of
my life. It was not just the arduous task of writing a dissertation, but each and every step
of earning my doctoral degree that involved obstacles and triumphs. Through years of
coursework, research, mentorships, and collaborations, I leave Baruch with not only a
doctoral degree, but a solid foundation that has already helped me spring forward into a
very promising career. Many people in my life guided and supported me along the way.
Although I can never thank them enough, I would like to recognize them here.
First, I would like to thank Karen Lyness – my dissertation chair, advisor, mentor,
and friend. While working together for many years in several endeavors, Karen provided
insight, advice, direction, and encouragement. She made me a better student, writer, and
researcher. I have immense gratitude for all that she invested in me and gave me. I also
would like to recognize my dissertation committee members, Harold Goldstein, Caryn
Medved, Kristen Shockley, and Pamela Stone. Thank you for taking the time to read my
(very long) dissertation and for providing your thoughtful and insightful feedback. I will
always remember our wonderful intellectual discussion during my final defense meeting.
I am grateful to have family and friends who have been my cheerleaders and
provided a sturdy foundation, particularly during the most trying times. Foremost, I
would like to thank my parents, Richard and Linda Grotto. From my very first day of
school they ingrained in me to always do my best and strive for whatever it is that I
Unexpected Work Intrusions vii
desire. They have never stopped telling me how proud they are of me. Now it is my turn
to let them know how honored and appreciative I am. I love you both very much.
I met my husband, Vincent Sparano, in 2006 when I was writing my master’s
thesis. Although at the time he did not fully understand the long road that lay ahead of
me, I remember him showing great respect and admiration for what I sought to
accomplish. Since then, he has carried me on his back during the times when I most
needed his strength and resolve. Without any doubts or questions, he wholeheartedly
joined me on the journey of my dissertation. He never hesitated to tell others how proud
he was of me. His pride, which clearly showed on his face and in his voice, gave me even
more purpose and helped me endure. Vin, I share this accomplishment with you.
Everything you have done for me has made the love I have for you flourish. You were
my confidant, my backbone, my counselor, and my partner through it all. I promise to do
the same for you as we continue on our journey together.
Unexpected Work Intrusions viii
Table of Contents
Abstract................................................................................................................................ iv
CHAPTER 1: Introduction of problem................................................................................. 1
Summary of research goals............................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 2: Literature Review and Hypotheses....................................................... .…... 16
Theoretical background: : nonwork-to-work role switching and boundary theory.... 16
Study 1 and Study 2: Defining and measuring role switching................................... 29
Study 3: Proposed antecedents and outcomes of nonwork-to-work role switching... 52
Study 3: Outcomes of nonwork-to-work role switching............................................. 79
Summary of research contributions............................................................................. 89
CHAPTER 3: Study 1........................................................................................................... 96
Study 1 methodology..................................................................................................... 96
Study 1 measures........................................................................................................... 101
Study 1 analysis............................................................................................................. 104
Study 1 results............................................................................................................... 110
Study 1 discussion......................................................................................................... 108
CHAPTER 4: Study 2.......................................................................................................... 117
Study 2 methodology.................................................................................................... 128
Study 2 analysis............................................................................................................ 120
Study 2 results............................................................................................................... 130
CHAPTER 5: Study 3……………...................................................................................... 137
Study 3 methodology overview.................................................................................... 137
Study 3 pilot test methodology and results................................................................. 137
Study 3 methodology.................................................................................................... 139
Study 3 analyses............................................................................................................ 168
Study 3 results............................................................................................................... 175
Study 3 discussion........................................................................................................ 195
CHAPTER 6: General Discussion....................................................................................... 221
Appendix A: Study 1 e-mail invitation and consent form..……………......................... 356
Appendix B: Study 1 interview protocol............................................................................ 361
Appendix C: Study 2 consent form for interviewees....................................................... 371
Appendix D: Study 2 invitation for subject matter experts ............................................ 374
Appendix E: Study 2 consent form for subject matter experts ....................................... 375
Appendix F: Interviewee and subject matter experts feedback questionnaires ............. 378
Appendix G: Study 3 pilot study materials ...................................................................... 393
Appendix H: Study 3 e-mail invitation…........................................................................... 399
Appendix I: Study 3 consent forms.................................................................................... 401
Appendix J: Study 3 guidelines.......................................................................................... 408
Appendix K: Study 3 final measures.................................................................................. 409
References.......................................................................................................................... 435
Unexpected Work Intrusions ix
List of Tables
Table 1a: Code Frequencies for Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching
Components, Themes, and Codes…………………………………………...….….. 249-53
Table 1b: Mean Ratings for Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Components,
Themes, and Codes……………………………………………………………….…… 254
Table 2: Work Intrusion and Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Themes,
Codes, and Examples…………………………………………………………….… 255-66
Table 3a: Frequencies of Differentiating Themes and Codes for Planned and Unplanned
Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Episode…..……………………………………. 267-69
Table 3b: Mean Ratings and t-tests for Planned and Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role
Switching Disruption and Difficulty……………………………………………….….. 270
Table 4: Measurement Items for Unexpected Work Intrusions and Unexpected Nonwork-
to-Work Role Switching….………………………………………..…...……….….. 271-75
Table 5a: Mean Clarity Ratings for Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Scale
Items…………………………………………………………………………….…. 277-82
Table 5b: Mean Coverage Ratings for Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role
Switching…………………………………………………………………………... 283-86
Table 5c: Revisions for Questionnaire Instructions and Measures of Work Intrusions and
Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching…….………………..………....…. 287-300
Table 6: Final Measurement Scales for Work Intrusions and Unplanned Nonwork-to-
Work Role Switching……………………………………………………...…….…. 301-10
Table 7: Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis (Oblimin Rotation) for Work Intrusions
Scales………………………………………....……………………………………. 311-12
Table 8: Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Multidimensional Measure of Work Intrusion
Pressure………………………………………....……………………………….……. 313
Table 9: Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Work Intrusion Significance and Pressure
Variables………………………………………....……………………...………….…. 314
Table 10: Final Work Intrusion Measurement Scales…………………………….…... 315
Table 11: Maximum Likelihood Factor Analysis (Oblimin Rotation) for Unplanned
Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Scales………………………………………….. 316-17
Table 12: Alternative Measurement Models for Multidimensional Measure of Unplanned
Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Mental Difficulty……..………………………..…. 318
Table 13: Final Unplanned Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Measurement
Scale………………………………………………………………………………………….. 319-20
Table 14: Alternative Measurement Models for Discriminant Validity between Unplanned
Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Mental Difficulty and Integration Boundary
Management Strategy………………………………………………………..….….…. 321
Table 15: Alternative Measurement Models for Discriminant Validity between Unplanned
Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Mental Difficulty and Home Boundary Strength..... 322
Table 16: Alternative Measurement Models for Discriminant Validity between Unplanned
Nonwork-to-Work Role Switching Mental Difficulty and Nonwork Permeability.…..... 323
Table 17a: Means, Standard Deviations, Reliability, and Correlations at the Episode
Level (Level 1) ……………………………………..………….………..……..…... 324-25
Table 17b: Means, Standard Deviations, Reliability, and Correlations at the Person Level
(Level 2) ………………………………..…………………………...…………..…. 326-27
