A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT ON FACTORS  ASSOCIATED WITH CYBERLOAFING AMONG EMPLOYEES IN NEXTTEL, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The advent of internet access and computer technology has greatly facilitated and enhanced cross-organizational communication (Arkorful & Abaidoo, 2019). These technological tools have increased productivity and optimized operating operations, as well as enhancing the communication process. As the internet continues to advance, employees have found new ways to avoid their work responsibilities and use company computers and the internet for non-work activities during working hours (Kim, 2018). This behavior has escalated to such an extent that it has had a significant detrimental effect on the productivity of the organization. More and more employees are neglecting their jobs and engaging in cyberloafing (Chaven, et al, 2022). however, organizations have numerous issues due to employees' fragmented attention during cyberloafing, such as reduced productivity, heightened security risks, time wastage, and a lack of innovation (Buntarangin & Frantzen, 2022). Consequently, this action is regarded as a significant obstacle for organizations. According to Pindek, Krajcevska, & Spector (2018), cyberloafing refers to the unauthorized use of technical systems by employees during work hours. Cyberloafing is a type of counterproductive work behavior (CWB) that is characterized by engaging in activities that affect organizations (Mercado, 2018). These counterproductive work behavior encompasses various elements, including abuse (such as engaging in verbal mistreatment towards a colleague), production deviance (such as intentionally working slowly or ineffectively), sabotage (such as purposefully wasting resources or causing damage to equipment), theft (such as falsifying work hours or unauthorized removal of company property), and withdrawal (taking extended breaks or arriving late). Additionally cyberloafing shares thematic similarities with withdrawal, which involves working less than required, and production deviance, which pertains to completing work with inaccuracies or poor quality. However, it has become a prevalent phenomenon in the workplace.  Furthermore, it was found that employees allocated 19% of their working time to engaging in social media activities rather than fulfilling their professional responsibilities (MacKay, 2019). This is due to the fact that certain individuals habitually monitor their mobile devices unknowingly, and some employees are oblivious to the fact that their cyberloafing habits negatively impact their productivity and job effectiveness. Moreover, the past twenty years have been considered particularly revolutionary in terms of technology, as both employers and employees have witnessed the emergence of cutting-edge web-based platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube (Collins & Halverson, 2018). These  platforms /social networks' are increasingly indispensable for both organizations and individuals to exchange information and engage in diverse research endeavors (Appel et al, 2020). Nevertheless, organization must utilize the internet and social media in order to acquire a competitive advantage and efficiently address client inquiries (Agrawal & Narain, 2021). Based on a report by the World Bank Group in 2016, organizations are utilizing the internet to enhance staff productivity, streamline communication, and expand their access to clients in remote areas of the globe. On the other hand, researchers have found that employees are misusing the internet provided by companies for personal gain instead of using it for work-related tasks (Rahman et al, 2022), which leads to a notable decline in job performance (Hadlington & Parsons, 2018). On one hand, cyberloafing is regarded by certain scholars as a misuse of resources and harmful to the organization (Coskun & Gokcearslan, 2019). On the other hand, other experts argue that cyberloafing can be beneficial for organizations. However, multiple studies have demonstrated that engaging in leisure activities on the internet during work hours has a positive and direct relationship with employee satisfaction. This is because it promotes a sense of tranquility in the office, which in turn leads to increased efficiency and productivity among employees (Mohammad et al, 2019). Furthermore, web browsing promotes creativity by enabling employees to gather and exchange information, which in turn fosters the generation of innovative ideas (Van Laar et al, 2019). Mercado, Giordano, and Dilchert (2018) contend that cyberloafing, a burgeoning phenomenon among employees, remains an inadequately explored field of study. Despite the implementation of many efforts by organizations to combat cyberloafing, the prevalence of employees engaging in this behavior is increasing. A study conducted by Luo et al. (2022) revealed that managers do not possess the necessary skills and techniques to effectively minimize workplace cyberloafing. As a result of the high cost associated with managing or resolving this employee's behavior, certain instances are not sufficiently addressed. According to Anjum (2022), many organizations are utilizing diverse technologies and methodologies to monitor internet and computer usage in order to address the issue of cyberloafing. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to critically assess on factors associated with cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The utilization of internet technology is on the rise within the contemporary business landscape, playing a pivotal role in organizations' pursuit of competitive edge by enhancing their operational efficiency and production processes. However, multiple studies have been undertaken on the phenomenon of internet abuse in the workplace. While some individuals have argued that cyberloafing can have positive outcomes in the workplace, others have highlighted the detrimental effects of engaging in non-work-related internet activities as a means of recovering from work. In order to manage the stress and problems associated with their jobs, employees utilize the internet resources provided by the business to browse websites such as YouTube and social media networking sites during their break time (Ezeh et al., 2018). In addition, several studies have indicated that employees are utilizing valuable work hours engaging in cyberloafing, despite the implementation of internet usage limitations by employers. Based on these findings, a moderate level of cyberloafing can be deemed reasonable. Hence, organizations must allow the utilization of the internet for educational and recreational objectives within an ethical framework (Buntarangin & Frantzen, 2022). On the other hand, the majority of employment require employees to interact with information technology devices, which often leads to engagement in cyberloafing activities. Unlike hacking, staff do not need to possess substantial expertise and proficiency in information technology. In the telecommunication sector, personnel are required to personally connect with customers in order to provide the service. When faced with such circumstances, utilizing the internet for personal activities diminishes one's dedication to productive work. Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to critically assess on factors associated with cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon. 

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to critically assess on factors associated with cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon.  Specifically, the study will;

Find out whether cyberloafing have a significant influence on the performance of employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon.

Find out  the impact of cyberloafing on employee performance in NEXTTEL, Cameroon

Investigate the predominant factors influencing of cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the impact of cyberloafing on employee performance in NEXTTEL, Cameroon?

Does cyberloafing have a significant influence on the performance of employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon?

What are the predominant factors influencing cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon?

1.5  Significance of the Study

The outcomes of this research will assist managers in discerning the magnitude of cyberloafing's impact on work efficiency and the overall performance of banking sector employees. Moreover, employees stand to gain from this investigation into cyberloafing, as it enhances awareness regarding the potential repercussions of indulging in non-work-related online activities during designated work hours. Further more, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to factors associated with cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon. 

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on factors associated with cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon.  Empirically, the study will find out  the impact of cyberloafing on employee performance, find out whether cyberloafing have a significant influence on the performance of employees and investigate the predominant factors influencing of cyberloafing among employees in NEXTTEL, Cameroon. Geographically, the study will be delimited to employees of NEXTTEL, Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.8 Definition of Terms

Employee: a person employed for wages or salary.

Productivity: the state or quality of being productive. It is the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in an organization, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.

Cyberloafing: is a terminology which can be described as the action of employees who use the internet for non-work related activities or personal use during their working hours while pretending to do official work.