Task complexity: A review and conceptualization framework

Task complexity has been recognized as an important task characteristic that influences and predicts human performance and behaviors. However, currently there is still limited consensus on how to understand this concept. This study aims at providing a clear, systematic understanding of task complexity. Task complexity definitions and models in the literature are reviewed from structuralist, resource requirement, and interaction viewpoints. Various existing task complexity definitions are summarized. Confusing terms related to task complexity are then clarified. From an objective and broad sense, task complexity is conceptualized following a task-component-factor-dimension framework. A six-component task model is proposed for identifying salient complexity contributory factors. Task complexity is then structured with ten dimensions. Finally, the proposed task complexity model was compared with other models.Relevance to industryThe review and conceptualization of task complexity are helpful for better understanding of task complexity, its measurement and management, and in-depth analysis of various tasks in industries.

► Various types of definition of task complexity are reviewed.
► Confusing constructs related to task complexity are clarified.
► Task complexity is conceptualized in a task-component-factor-dimension framework.
► Several task complexity models are compared.