SRISHTI SHRIVASTAVA,MRUTYUNJAYA BHANJA,KARAN KHATI
DOI: https://doi.org/The capacity to distribute attention and resources across multiple tasks simultaneous competences is critical in high stakes business settings with narrow time frames and shifting priorities. Few validated measures capture this construct in the context of real life stressors. This study aimed to design and validate a framework for multi tasking proficiency assessment and analyze its predictive value for job performance. In a cross sectional design, 250 professionals from finance, marketing, and operations completed a set of computerized multitasking stress simulations along with self-reports of stress and work complexity. We collected behavioral data on task switching accuracy, response latency, and error rates. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two factor solution (Accuracy and Efficiency) with strong reliability (Cronbach’s α =.87). Inter-sector analyses showed Finance participants had high accuracy but slower response times relative to Operations staff, while Marketing averaged moderate accuracy with the fastest latencies. Hierarchical regression showed perceived stress (β = –.31, p < .001) and work complexity (β = –.27, p < .01) significantly predicted proficiency scores.These results highlight how context influences an individual's multitasking skills and reinforces the usefulness of the instrument for customized training and talent development. The implications for human resource policies and propositions for future longitudinal studies are presented.
