Software use in the workplace: A study of efficiency

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dc.contributor.advisorLane, David M.
dc.creatorPeres, S. Camille
dc.date.accessioned2009-06-04T06:49:38Z
dc.date.available2009-06-04T06:49:38Z
dc.date.issued2005
dc.description.abstractAlthough existing laboratory research shows that software is often used inefficiently, relatively little is known about (a) how efficiently software is used in a real work environment and (b) the factors that influence the efficiency of individual users. The present research consists of an ethnographic investigation of software use in an office setting. The study occurred over a four-week period and consisted of observations, in-depth interviews, and an online survey of employees at a large energy company in Houston, Texas. Employees frequently used their software inefficiently and when they were efficient, were not consistent with their efficient use of software. They tended to approach using and learning software programs differently depending on whether the program was associated with their area of expertise. For those programs associated with their expertise, they were more likely to seek out learning new and more efficient methods of using the software for doing their job. However, for other software they would learn as little about it as possible, even if they spent most of their working day on the latter type of software. Furthermore, employees consistently reported that, regardless of the complexity of the program, they primarily learned to use programs by exploring the interface. Through this exploration, they would learn enough about the program (or would reach a sufficient level of knowledge) to do their job. Any knowledge of alternative features or efficient methods of using these features would subsequently be learned through peers.
dc.format.extent113 p.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.callnoTHESIS PSYCH. 2005 PERES
dc.identifier.citationPeres, S. Camille. "Software use in the workplace: A study of efficiency." (2005) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18799">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/18799</a>.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/18799
dc.language.isoeng
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
dc.subjectManagement
dc.subjectIndustrial psychology
dc.subjectCognitive psychology
dc.subjectComputer science
dc.subjectBusiness administration
dc.subjectPsychology
dc.titleSoftware use in the workplace: A study of efficiency
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialText
thesis.degree.departmentPsychology
thesis.degree.disciplineSocial Sciences
thesis.degree.grantorRice University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy
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