Bureaucratic red tape and Technostress: hierarchical control in technology adoption and employee well-being, and the dual moderating role of resistance to change as a demand or an overlooked resource

Bellini, Diego;Barbieri, Barbara;Mondo, Marina

;Batzella, Federica;Pileri, Jessica;Rapp-Ricciardi, Max;De Simone, Silvia

2026-01-01

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Abstract

Studies on the relationship between bureaucratic sub-dimensions and the excessive use of technology on individuals have been limited. This study investigates the relationship between bureaucracy and technostress, as well as the buffering role of resistance to change in the link between bureaucracy and technostress. An online survey was conducted on 1,020 employees in the Italian public sector. The relationship between bureaucratic red tape and techno-complexity was weaker for lower levels of resistance to change, in terms of emotional reaction and routine-seeking. These findings provide insights into the interplay between organizational structure, individuals’ predisposition toward changes, and stress derived from technology.