Exploring the relationship between conformity to videoconference (VC) norms and videoconference fatigue (VF)

• Main Authors: Lim, Charlotte Ann Ching, Chim, Valerie Hui Min, Lee, Hannah Dominy Hui Min, Weng, Natalie Jia Min
• Other Authors: Benjamin Li Junting
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Social sciences::Communication
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/165284
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

As the increased usage of videoconference (VC) tools by organisations is predicted to be a long-term occurrence following the COVID-19 pandemic, investigating the adverse effects of VC usage on employees, namely VC fatigue (VF), is of great interest. This study aims to address the lack of knowledge on the social antecedents of VF, focusing primarily on understanding the possible connection between conformity to VC social norms and VF within professional contexts. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study first employs focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 26) to explore the social norms in participants’ VCs for work, the types of conformity shown in response to such norms and VF experiences. FGD insights are then used to create survey questions to quantitatively examine the presence of certain VC norms and variations of conformity, VF in working adults, and the relationship between conformity to VC norms and VF in the work setting. A key finding is that the prediction of VF by overall conformity to work-related VC norms is statistically significant. Further studies are crucial to validate the survey questions for use in wider employee populations, and to establish causality between the different classifications of conformity and the sub-categories of VF.