Understanding digital hoarding behavior in the workplace: a proximal and distal framework

Abstract

Purpose Personal information management (PIM) in the workplace refers to how employees collect, process, store and reuse information in the course of their work. However, the rapid advancement of information technologies and the exponential growth of data have led to an emerging concern – digital hoarding behavior, which undermines the efficiency of PIM behavior. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of digital hoarding behavior in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach Using the proximal–distal framework, this study presents a model that examines how proximal psychological factors (i.e. fear of missing out [FoMO] and rumination) and distal organizational factors (i.e. time pressure and upward social comparison) influence employees' digital hoarding behavior in the workplace. Guided by regulatory focus theory, we also investigate how leaders' promotion and prevention focus moderates these relationships. To test the proposed model, survey data from 347 full-time employees were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings The results reveal that FoMO strongly predicts digital hoarding behavior, and this effect is amplified by promotion- and prevention-focused leadership. Rumination also contributes to digital hoarding behavior, but a promotion-focused leader weakens this association. Furthermore, time pressure and upward social comparison significantly increase FoMO and rumination, and these mediating factors fully account for their influence on digital hoarding behavior. Originality/value These findings advance the theoretical understanding of workplace problematic information behaviors, offering practical insights for organizations seeking to design more effective PIM strategies.