The relationship between information characteristics and information overload at the workplace - a meta-analysis

Information overload (IO) is described as a stress condition caused by the characteristics of information. Empirical primary studies support this relation. Based on existing primary research it is the aim of this meta-analysis to analyse which characteristics of information influence IO, to identify moderating factors influencing these relationships, and to estimate their average strength. A standardized literature search with the bibliographic database psycINFO was conducted for this purpose. Of a total of 193 studies, 24 fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the quantitative analysis. Averaged over 40 effect sizes, a multi-level meta-analysis was carried out and resulted in a correlation of r =.22 [CI .166, .282] for the relation between overall information characteristics and IO. Quantitative characteristics of information confirmed a low correlation with IO (r =.15 [CI .071, .229]). Qualitative characteristics confirmed medium correlations (r =.26 [CI .189, .332]). Based on these results we argue for a more precise definition of IO and its causes. Furthermore, results indicated the moderating influence of information technologies on the relationship between information characteristics and IO, which is why further research on moderating factors might be promising.