Computer technology as object language: Revisiting office design

Published Date
September 2007, Vol.23(5):2429–2454, doi:10.1016/j.chb.2006.03.017

Author 

James C. McElroy ^a,1,

Kevin P. Scheibe ^b,,

Paula C. Morrow ^a,2,

aIowa State University, Department of Management, 2350 Gerdin Business Building, Ames, IA 50011-1350, United States

bIowa State University, Department of Logistics, Operations and Management Information Systems, 2340 Gerdin Business Building, Ames, IA 50011-1350, United States

Available online 22 May 2006.

Abstract

Object language is a term that describes the messages that objects convey to people. This paper extends previous research on the object language associated with office design elements such as the placement of one’s desk and office messiness by examining the role of computer technology as an additional form of object language. Computer technology was operationalized in Study 1 in terms of the innovativeness of technology displayed in an office, while Study 2 focused on the portability of computer technology. Undergraduate students responded to photographs of faculty offices exhibiting various combinations of office messiness, desk placement and technology. Results showed that while computer technology plays a more subtle role in visitor attributions about the officeholder in comparison to office messiness or desk placement, computer technology does convey messages about work performance, especially time management skills. The main role played by computer technology is in terms of its interaction with office messiness. Results of the role of office design in impression management are discussed.

Keywords

Computer technology

Office design

Office messiness

Desk placement

Nonverbal communication

Object language

---

Fig. 1.

 Table 1

Table 1.

 Table 2

Table 2.

 Table 3

Table 3.

Fig. 2.

 Table 4

Table 4.

 Table 5

Table 5.

 Table 6

Table 6.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

• ⁎ 
  Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 515 294 0545.
  
  

For further details log on website :
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0142694X