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Di Nocera F, De Piano R, Rullo M, Tempestini G. A Lack of Focus, Not Task Avoidance, Makes the Difference: Work Routines in Procrastinators and Non-Procrastinators. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13040333. [PMID: 37102847 PMCID: PMC10135973 DOI: 10.3390/bs13040333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Procrastination may be seen as the outcome of a learning history of delaying the onset of task execution and its completion, both in terms of time and effort. In this study, we examined the performance of 55 university students who carried out two writing tasks consisting of summarizing two academic papers, each within a different time slot (i.e., five vs. three days to complete). The two assignments were part of the class activity and were perceived by participants as homogeneous in terms of text appreciation and difficulty, therefore making the two conditions comparable. The Pure Procrastination Scale was used to categorize subjects as high and low procrastinators, and to compare their performances. Results show that students who report more procrastination behaviors tend to increase their productivity as the deadline approaches, while low procrastinators are more productive throughout the time at their disposal, with peak activity during the intermediate day. Such a strategy was consistent across two deadlines (five vs. three days), and the difference between the two subgroups can be ascribed to the task-oriented coping style, which seems to be lacking in high-procrastinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Nocera
- Department of Planning, Design, and Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, 00196 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa De Piano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Rullo
- Department of Social, Political, and Cognitive Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giorgia Tempestini
- Department of Planning, Design, and Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, 00196 Rome, Italy
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Howard MC, Cogswell JE. A meta-analysis of polychronicity: Applying modern perspectives of multitasking and person-environment fit. ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/20413866221143370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We apply modern theory on multitasking and person-environment fit to holistically explain the relations of polychronicity as well as provide justifications for disparate results found in prior studies, such as undetected differences regarding task-switching and dual-tasking. We then conduct a meta-analysis of polychronicity's relations. We show that the nomological net surrounding polychronicity matches our proposed fit perspective. We likewise demonstrate that differences in task-switching and dual-tasking indeed influence the observed results of polychronicity, and the growing complexity of businesses may have caused the association of polychronicity and job performance to strengthen over time. Our discussion highlights that polychronicity plays an important role in personal well-being and employee performance, which can be understood by our person-environment fit perspective. Plain Language Summary We apply modern theory on multitasking and person-environment fit to holistically explain the relations of polychronicity as well as provide justifications for disparate results found in prior studies, such as undetected differences regarding task-switching and dual-tasking. We then conduct a meta-analysis of polychronicity's relations. We show that the nomological net surrounding polychronicity matches our proposed fit perspective. We likewise demonstrate that differences in task-switching and dual-tasking indeed influence the observed results of polychronicity, and the growing complexity of businesses may have caused the association of polychronicity and job performance to strengthen over time. Our discussion highlights that polychronicity plays an important role in personal well-being and employee performance, which can be understood by our person-environment fit perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt C. Howard
- Mitchell College of Business, The University of South Alabama, USA
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Vangsness L, Voss NM, Maddox N, Devereaux V, Martin E. Self-Report Measures of Procrastination Exhibit Inconsistent Concurrent Validity, Predictive Validity, and Psychometric Properties. Front Psychol 2022; 13:784471. [PMID: 35282217 PMCID: PMC8907120 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.784471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Procrastination is a chronic and widespread problem; however, emerging work raises questions regarding the strength of the relationship between self-reported procrastination and behavioral measures of task engagement. This study assessed the internal reliability, concurrent validity, predictive validity, and psychometric properties of 10 self-report procrastination assessments using responses collected from 242 students. Participants' scores on each self-report instrument were compared to each other using correlations and cluster analysis. Lasso estimation was used to test the self-report scores' ability to predict two behavioral measures of delay (days to study completion; pacing style). The self-report instruments exhibited strong internal reliability and moderate levels of concurrent validity. Some self-report measures were predictive of days to study completion. No self-report measures were predictive of deadline action pacing, the pacing style most commonly associated with procrastination. Many of the self-report measures of procrastination exhibited poor fit. These results suggest that researchers should exercise caution in selecting self-report measures and that further study is necessary to determine the factors that drive misalignment between self-reports and behavioral measures of delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Vangsness
- Department of Psychology, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States
| | | | - Noelle Maddox
- Department of Psychology, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States
| | - Victoria Devereaux
- Department of Psychology, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States
| | - Emma Martin
- Department of Psychology, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States
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Steel P, Taras D, Ponak A, Kammeyer-Mueller J. Self-Regulation of Slippery Deadlines: The Role of Procrastination in Work Performance. Front Psychol 2022; 12:783789. [PMID: 35069365 PMCID: PMC8770981 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.783789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the causes and impact of procrastination on "slippery deadlines," where the due date is ill-defined and can be autonomously extended, using the unique applied setting of grievance arbitration across two studies. In Study One, using 3 years of observed performance data derived from Canadian arbitration cases and a survey of leading arbitrators, we examined the effect of individual differences, self-regulatory skills, workloads and task characteristics on time delay. Observed delay here is a critical criterion, where justice is emphasized to be swift and sure. Multilevel Modeling established trait procrastination as a substantive predictor of observed delay, equivalent to the environmental contributors of expediting the arbitration procedure or grievance complexity. Also, despite substantive negative consequence of delay for both arbitrators and their clients, arbitrators who scored one standard deviation above the mean in procrastination took approximately 83 days to write their decisions compared to the 26 days for arbitrators one standard deviation below the mean. In Study Two, we conducted a replication and extension survey with a much larger group of American arbitrators. Consistent with Temporal Motivation Theory (TMT), trait procrastination was largely explained by expectancy, value, and sensitivity to time related traits and skills, which together accounted for majority of the variance in trait procrastination, leaving little left for other explanations. For example, perfectionism connection to procrastination appears to be distal, being largely mediated by each of TMT's core variables. Finally, procrastination was largely synonymous with a deadline pacing style, indicating that observed delay can be used as a proxy for procrastination as long as little or no prior work was done (e.g., a u-shaped pacing style is not synonymous). In all, our results indicate that procrastination is rampant in the workplace and has seriously detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piers Steel
- Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daphne Taras
- Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Allen Ponak
- Haskayne School of Business, National Academy of Arbitrators, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - John Kammeyer-Mueller
- Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Translating time-based research into team interventions: An actionable, evidence-based approach. J Clin Transl Sci 2021; 6:e2. [PMID: 35154813 PMCID: PMC8807121 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2021.874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Temporal challenges are not only contextual in nature but manifest internally in teams when members enter the team with different temporal orientations (e.g., time urgency and pacing style). Researchers have demonstrated that temporal diversity has important implications for key team outcomes (performance, timeliness, and team conflict) across a range of samples and countries. Unfortunately, the practical implications of this research have yet to be unpacked. We respond to this need by developing an approach to translate temporal diversity research studies into actionable, evidence-based team interventions. Because journal articles are often deficient on actionable steps, whereas practitioner-friendly outlets tend to be deficient on scientific rigor, incorporating both criteria necessitates merging these literatures. Specifically, we delineate four main steps: (1) identify significant moderators, (2) match the moderators to scientifically based interventions, (3) design intervention tools with specific, actionable procedures, and (4) evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention tools by designing research studies. We believe the process we outline to marry actionable and evidence-based benchmarks is applicable to other research domains in team science beyond temporal research. It is our hope that this research will be a catalyst for further exploration of interventions that can help team members navigate temporal differences.
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Wasting effort or wasting time? A longitudinal study of pacing styles as a predictor of academic performance. LEARNING AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2021.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wessel J, Bradley GL, Hood M. A Low‐Intensity, High‐Frequency Intervention to Reduce Procrastination. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Vangsness L, Young ME. Turtle, Task Ninja, or Time Waster? Who Cares? Traditional Task-Completion Strategies Are Overrated. Psychol Sci 2020; 31:306-315. [PMID: 32101097 DOI: 10.1177/0956797619901267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard approaches for identifying task-completion strategies, such as precrastination and procrastination, reduce behavior to single markers that oversimplify the process of task completion. To illustrate this point, we consider three task-completion strategies and introduce a new method to identify their use. This approach was tested using an archival data set (N = 8,655) of the available electronic records of research participation at Kansas State University. The approach outperformed standard diagnostic approaches and yielded an interesting finding: Several strategies were associated with negative outcomes. Specifically, both procrastinators and precrastinators struggled to finish tasks on time. Together, these findings underscore the importance of using holistic approaches to determine the relationship among task characteristics, individual differences, and task completion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael E Young
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University
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Mikheeva NA, Barinov EK, Molchanov KA, Molchanov AS. [The psychological recommendations on the organization of the self-directed learning among the students based at a department of forensic medicine]. Sud Med Ekspert 2019; 62:60-62. [PMID: 30724897 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20196201160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The authors propose the recommendations for the organization of the self-directed learning among the students who study forensic medicine. These recommendations can be of help for the forensic medical experts involved in the continuous medical education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Mikheeva
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Law, A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State Medical Stomatological University, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Moscow, Russia, 111396
| | - E Kh Barinov
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Law, A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State Medical Stomatological University, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Moscow, Russia, 111396
| | - K A Molchanov
- Department of Psychology and Technology, A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State Medical Stomatological University, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Moscow, Russia, 111396
| | - A S Molchanov
- Department of Psychology and Technology, A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State Medical Stomatological University, Ministry of Health of the Russia, Moscow, Russia, 111396
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How do legal surprises drive organizational attention and case resolution? An analysis of false patent marking lawsuits. RESEARCH POLICY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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