An empirical evaluation of key factors contributing to internet abuse in the workplace

Purpose – This study seeks to synthesize theories from communication, psychology and criminologyto examine the factors that influence the two most popular topics in industry – internet abuse andaddiction at the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – The survey results of 351 responseswere analyzed to test the proposed hypotheses and research model using structural equationmodeling. Data were collected in Southern Science Park in Taiwan.Findings – It was found that personality factors such as locus of control and self-esteem significantlyinfluence employees’ internet addictions; and internet addiction significantly impacts employees’internet abuse at the workplace. Practical implications – Employers should pay special attention toemployees’ personalities because they play important roles in internet addiction and internet abuse.Also a good internet policy will be useful especially to a panoptic working environment, which isbecoming popular. Originality/value. his study provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation tobetter understand the two controversial issues in industry. The empirical study validates theimportant theories of locus of control, self-esteem, use and gratification, control, and containment inworkplace surveillance and deviant behavior research

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