A comparative analysis of meeting participant perception and use of smartphones and other mobile devices during meetings

In the past decade, as the processing power of smartphones has increased, users have started to use them within a business environment, specifically in corporate meetings in exchange for their laptops or tablet computers. The use of smartphones and other mobile devices in meetings may be causing a positive or negative change in the attitudes and behavior of meeting participants. An online survey was created and deployed in second half of 2010 to investigate how and for what purpose meeting participants use mobile devices. The survey also collected data on the perception and behavior of meeting participants when others use their mobile device in meetings. A second survey with similar questions was deployed in late 2012 to compare whether attitudes and behavior of meeting participants had changed in the two year period. Statistical and descriptive analyses were conducted to examine any differences in responses between the first and second survey. Major findings from the comparison of the two surveys include: individuals have become more accepting of having and using laptops and feature phones in their meetings. In addition, organizations have become more supportive of employees using iPhones.