Productivity or overload? The paradox of instant messaging in Costa Rica’s tech sector (#456)

Authors

Silva Atencio, Gabriel

Bonelli Alzamora, Roberto

Abstract

This study investigated the dual impact of instant messaging (IM) on productivity and well-being within Costa Rica's technological sector. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, the research conducted 35 semi-structured interviews with executives, managers, and operational staff, complemented by document analysis and compliance with national data protection rules. Thematic analysis (NVivo, κ = 0.82) indicated that although IM led to a 72% enhancement in decision-making speed and a 65% reduction in email dependency, it also incurred significant cognitive costs: Fifty-five percent said their concentration was broken, and sixty percent of female executives said they were more techno stressed than forty percent of male executives. Every time, the order of things was different. They were told to stop what they were doing 70% more often than their bosses. This goes against the idea that everyone can use the web to make democracy work. They talk about how IM (instant message) helps companies run but makes it tough for men and women to talk to each other. The modern society now know more about the digital workplace in Latin America because this study looks at tech stress in cultures that use language and context a lot. It also helps bosses set rules and "quiet hours" that are fair for both men and women so that workers stay healthy and do their jobs well.