Computer technology as object language: Revisiting office design

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.