AN INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTS OF CYBER LOAFING ON EMPLOYEES PERFORMANCE: CIVIL SERVANTS IN DOUALA, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

In contemporary workplaces, the widespread use of an organization's resources for personal tasks has become a common practice. The internet is a key contributor to boosting productivity, enhancing employee efficiency, and facilitating communication within organizations. However, its role is pivotal in providing a competitive advantage by fortifying operational and production processes.

Conceptually, "cyberloafing" refers to employees using the internet for non-work-related activities during working hours, often while pretending to be engaged in official tasks, also known as 'goldbricking.' This behavior is considered an abuse of internet resources in the workplace. Additionally, the integration of information technology into personal and work routines without clear boundaries has been notably facilitated by cyberloafing habits, particularly among public servants (Juan, 2019).

Despite the potential disruption caused by cyberloafing to work progress, engaging in minor cyberloafing actions can have limited positive effects. Activities like making phone calls, sending emails, using messaging apps such as Whatsapp and Telegram, and web browsing can offer brief breaks, refreshing employees and potentially enhancing overall productivity. While cyberloafing is generally acknowledged as a challenge in the broader business context, many organizations lack precise mechanisms or strategies to regulate employees' cyberloafing behaviors due to their unique business challenges. Furthermore, several research studies have provided diverse insights into the outcomes of cyberloafing on employees' performance. For instance, Hassan et al. (2018) found that organizations should control and monitor cyberloafing as it negatively influences employees' productivity. Similarly, König & Caner de la Guardia (2020) argued that allowing some cyberloafing could positively impact performance and productivity.

Employee productivity, defined as the efficiency and effectiveness with which individuals or groups contribute to organizational goals, is influenced by various aspects of cyberloafing activity. Studies, such as Barlaw's (2020), have shown that cyberloafing activities result in lower job performance due to the loss of working hours. Employees spending their working hours on cyberloafing experience reduced productivity, creating a negative relationship between cyberloafing and overall work efficiency and performance. Nevertheless, if cyberloafing is approached with caution and is subjected to monitoring, it has the potential to yield positive effects and enhance productivity. However, implementing a policy that clearly outlines internet usage and includes monitoring measures will benefit both the organization and its employees. With such monitoring in place, employees may engage in fewer cyberloafing activities, recognizing the accountability associated with being observed (J-Ho, Ching, Gan, & Ramayah, 2019). Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to  investigate on the effect of Cyber loafing on employees performance: civil servants in Douala, Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Engaging in non-work-related internet activities, known as cyber loafing, can negatively impact employees' productivity in various ways. Continuous involvement in cyber loafing, such as browsing social media or participating in online leisure, can result in a decreased ability to focus and pay attention. This reduced concentration may impede the quality and efficiency of work, as employees struggle to maintain sustained attention on their professional responsibilities. Moreover, procrastination stemming from cyber loafing can lead to missed deadlines. When employees use work time for non-productive online activities, completing tasks within specified time frames becomes challenging, causing delays in project delivery and adversely affecting team efficiency. Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to investigate on the effect of Cyber loafing on employees performance: civil servants in Douala, Cameroon.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate on the effect of Cyber loafing on employees performance: civil servants in Douala, Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

1.Determine the level of Cyber loafing among civil servants in Douala, Cameroon

2.Investigate the predominant causes of Cyber loafing among civil servants in Douala, Cameroon

3.Determine whether there is a significant relationship between cyber loafing and employees productivity

4.Find out the negative influence of cyber loafing on civil servants performance in Douala, Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What is the extent of cyber loafing among civil servants performance in Douala, Cameroon?

What are the primary causes of cyber loafing among civil servants performance in Douala, Cameroon?

Is there a significant relationship between cyber loafing and employee performance?

What negative influences does cyber loafing have on civil servants performance in Douala, Cameroon

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant relationship between cyber loafing and employee performance.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between cyber loafing and employee performance.

1.6  Significance of the Study

Organizations can use the study's findings to determine the degree to which cyberloafing impairs productivity and general performance. Research on cyber loafing can also help employees since it increases knowledge of the possible repercussions of using the internet for non-job-related purposes while at work. 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 an investigation on the effect of cyber loafing on employees performance: civil servants in Douala, Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on an investigation  on the effect of Cyber loafing on employees performance. Theoretically, the study will determine the level of Cyber loafing, investigate the predominant causes of Cyber loafing  among civil servants in Douala, Cameroon, determine whether there is a significant relationship between cyber loafing and employees performance and find out the negative influence of cyber loafing on civil servants performance in Douala, Cameroon

Geographically, the study will be delimited to civil servants  in Douala, Cameroon.

1.8 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.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Employee: a person employed for wages or salary.

Performance: is the accomplishment of tasks, activities, or functions with a certain level of effectiveness and efficiency.

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.