DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF EMAIL PROCESSING BY MANAGERS OF FOR-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

George Miller
Richard Dool
Argosy University

ABSTRACT

With the introduction of mobile technology (e.g., tablets and smartphones), the
optimal method of checking email on a schedule (e.g., four times per day) to maximize
value and efficiency is not feasible because of the demands placed on today’s managers.
This research suggests that continuous checking of email is inevitable in society today even
though continuous checking of email fosters more interruptions. Because individuals are
processing emails as they continuously check their account, email is causing more
interruptions in projects as well as in the processing method itself, which wastes time due
to reclaiming where the manager is in working on a project or another email.
The survey sample in this study consisted of 378 employees who were in management
positions in a for-profit educational organizations. Results of this study sheds light on effective
and ineffective procedures in processing email by managers, which is an area of study that
has limited research. By understanding what influences time spent in processing emails, an
organization can implement practices, learning tools, and training that allow a manager to
gain knowledge and structure to optimize time spent on the practice.

Keywords: Managers, emails process, time management, information, timely manner, other options