THE EFFECT OF INTERNET USE POLICIES ON EMPLOYEE BEHAVIOUR AND JOB PRODUCTIVITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The implementation of an organisational Internet use policy is a challenging and difficult task that must be based on empirical research rather than assumptions. A business must consider how to effectively implement and enforce an organisational Internet usage policy whilst attempting to promote good Internet use behaviour and maximise productivity. The purpose of this research paper was to analyse and evaluate the impact that Internet use policies have on employee cyberloafing behaviour and job productivity within South African organisations. A quantitative research methodology was utilised where South African employees, mostly in the Information and Communication Technology industry were provided with a questionnaire to respond to. This research examined the impact that organisational internet use policies have on cyberloafing behaviour and productivity amongst 53 working adults. The research analysed if a relationship could be identified between the perceived levels of Internet use policy existence and enforcement within an organisation; as well as the cyberloafing behaviour and productivity levels disclosed by employees. The results suggest that organisations can better control cyberloafing behaviour and improve productivity by properly enforcing Internet use Policies. This research also identified that cyberloafing activities do not necessarily result in a decrease in productivity, but rather the context in which cyberloafing activities are done can positively or negatively impact on productivity. No evidence was found to suggest that the prevalence of mobile devices (i.e. Tablets, Internet enabled mobile phones) would also increase cyberloafing and decrease productivity. A detailed analysis of these results was further discussed in this research report.