Effects of non-task-related thoughts on attributed boredom, job satisfaction and task perceptions

Cynthia Fisher

Article comments

Cynthia D. Fisher (1994) Effects of Non-Task-Related Thoughts on Attributed Boredom, Job Satisfaction and Task Perceptions

School of Business Discussion Paper ; No. 53, May 1994

© Copyright Cynthia D. Fisher and the School of Business, Bond University

Abstract

It has been suggested that distraction and mind-wandering are related, perhaps causally, to the experience of boredom. This study assessed the impact of frequency and justifiability of non-task related thoughts by job incumbents on observers’ attributions about incumbent boredom, job satisfaction, and perceptions of task characteristics. Job level was also manipulated. It was predicted that more frequent and less justifiable non-task-related thoughts would be associated with attributions of greater boredom, less satisfaction, and poorer job characteristics, especially for higher level jobs. The results supported the predictions for the effects of frequency and justifiability of non-task-related thoughts on boredom and satisfaction for both job levels.