Drivers of context-specific ICT use across work and nonwork domains: A boundary theory perspective

Most theories predicting technology use were conceived when information and communication technology (ICT) devices were less portable, had less functionality, and individuals experienced less permeability between work and nonwork domains. Thus, while individuals today widely use ICT for both professional and personal needs, there is limited knowledge about the validity of traditional models predicting ICT use within and across work and nonwork domains. Using a model based on boundary theory, border theory, and human agency perspective, this study empirically examines the predictors of ICT use across four contexts, namely work use on work and nonwork days, and nonwork use on work and nonwork days. The results, based on data collected from managers and professionals from different Canadian industries, suggest that different drivers may be affecting the four contexts of ICT use. While perceived usefulness of ICT is a significant predictor for both within-domain and across-domain ICT use, there are specific work and individual characteristics that drive across-domain ICT use. Using theories from work/nonwork literature, this paper presents a renewed view to predict context-specific ICT use beyond the traditional models. •We examined the drivers of ICT use across work and nonwork border under four different contexts using boundary theory perspective.•The four contexts of ICT use are, work-related use on work days, work-related use on nonwork days, nonwork-related use on work days, and nonwork-related use on nonwork days.•Perceived usefulness of ICT was a strong predictor in all four contexts of ICT use.•Work characteristics and individual characteristics have differential impact in driving ICT use based on the context of use.