Work-related information and communication technology use after hours (WICT) increasingly blurs work and family boundaries. Excessive WICT can lead to unintended consequences.
Objective
Based on affective events theory (AET), we aim to explore how and when WICT leads to employees’ unethical pro-family behaviors (UPFB).
Methods
We employ a mixed-method approach to examine hypotheses, including an experimental study using a facial expression recognition software, Noldus FaceReader 5.0 (Study 1, N = 119 students), and a weekly diary study (Study 2, N = 83 full-time teachers).
Results
Results show that WICT positively relates to employees’ UPFB through the mediating roles of work-to-family guilt and work-to-family resentment. Moreover, polychronic orientation can weaken these negative reactions toward WICT.
Conclusions
Organizations should reduce unnecessary demands for employees’ WICT and avoid assigning positions with high WICT requirements to employees with low polychronic orientation.
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