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Exp Econ (2012) 15:641655 DOI 10.1007/s10683-012-9318-8
Multitasking
Thomas Buser Noemi Peter
Received: 17 August 2011 / Accepted: 21 February 2012 / Published online: 6 March 2012 The Author(s) 2012. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com
Abstract We examine how multitasking affects performance. We also examine whether individuals optimally choose their degree of multitasking or whether they perform better under an externally imposed schedule. Subjects in our experiment perform two different tasks according to one of three treatments: one where they perform the tasks sequentially, one where they are forced to multitask, and one where they can freely organize their work. Subjects who are forced to multitask perform signicantly worse than those forced to work sequentially. Surprisingly, subjects who can freely organize their own schedule also perform signicantly worse. These results suggest that scheduling is a signicant determinant of productivity. Finally, our results do not support the stereotype that women are better at multitasking. Women suffer as much as men when forced to multitask and are actually less inclined to multitask when being free to choose.
Keywords Multitasking Productivity Lab experiment Gender
JEL Classication C91 J24 J16
T. Buser ( ) N. Peter
University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands e-mail: [email protected]: buser.economists.nl
N. Petere-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Web End [email protected] url: http://peter.economists.nl
Web End =peter.economists.nl
642 T. Buser, N. Peter
1 Introduction
Although multitasking1 is increasingly common in the modern work environment, its productivity effects remain underexplored. Furthermore, the stereotype that women are better at multitasking is almost universally accepted but, again, scientic evidence is missing. This paper lls these gaps through an experimental design which allows us to answer the following research questions. First, how does multitasking affect productivity? Second, do people perform better when they are allowed to choose their own schedule? Third, are there indeed gender differences in the effect of multitasking on productivity? And fourth, are there gender differences in the propensity to multitask?
The rst pair of questions is motivated by a practical concern: how to schedule tasks optimally. Is sequential execution advisable, or is it more productive to alternate (that is, to multitask)? Is it optimal to let workers choose their own schedule or should companies impose one? Although it seems intuitive that scheduling has an impact on productivity,...