INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF CYBERLOAFING AS A MEDIATOR OF STAFF JOB SATISFACTION IN PRESBOOK PLC LIMBE, CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

In contemporary times, the use of the internet within an organization has become an essential requirement. The internet has had a significant impact on organizations and corporations. However, majority of organizations provide internet access to their employees to aid them in completing their responsibilities. Nevertheless, providing internet access in the office may also facilitate counterproductive activities, such as cyberloafing, which can undermine employees' productivity and job performance (Pindek et al., 2018). Lim (2022) asserts that cyberloafing, which refers to the act of squandering time on non-work-related internet activities, poses a significant challenge for employers. This is mostly due to the widespread availability of internet access through cellphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. According to estimates, individuals can spend up to two hours per day indulging in cyberloafing at work, which results in an annual cost of $85 billion for organizations (Andel et al., 2019). Hence, cyberloafing is commonly regarded as a nonproductive or unprofitable conduct that is not suitable for the enterprise and might result in financial losses for the firm (Pindek et al., 2018). However, not all cyberloafing actions yield same outcomes. Contrary to the common belief, Lim & Chen (2022) found evidence that cyberloafing can have positive effects, such as enhancing employees' moods and increasing their work engagement (Syrek et al., 2018). This behavior may be motivated by a desire to retaliate against perceived unfairness, cope with stressors or due to a depletion of self-regulatory resources (Wagner et al., 2019). In a recent study conducted by Andel et al. (2019), it was discovered that cyberloafing can serve as a coping mechanism for employees in the office. This is particularly useful in dealing with stressful conditions, such as work stress resulting from exposure to violence. Furthermore, Henle & Blanchard (2018) suggested that events that cause stress in the work (work stressor) can result in cyberloafing behavior among employees, such as role ambiguity and role conflict. While both are  detrimental factors that can have negative consequences for both organizations and individuals. they can lead to job dissatisfaction, heightened work anxiety, employee fatigue, and increased turnover. Additionally, they result in reduced performance and a decreased level of employees’ commitment to the organization as a whole (Koustelios et al., 2018; Palomino & Frezatti, 2016; Tarrant & Sabo, 2020; Usman & Xiao, 2017).According to Andel et al. (2019), research suggests that role ambiguity and role conflict are the primary factors in work settings that impact job satisfaction. Additionally, job satisfaction is more likely to be affected by cyberloafing behavior compared to other distant outcomes. The outcomes of job satisfaction significantly influence an employee's performance. The performance of an employee is seen as a significant indicator of managerial accomplishment and organizational success (Mahlamaki et al., 2019). Thus, it is imperative for an oorganization  to have employees who demonstrate exceptional performance in order to successfully accomplish organizational objectives and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to  investigate the role of cyberloafing as a mediator of staff job satisfaction in PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Cyberloafing is a widespread problem that incurs substantial expenses. Research conducted by Wagner et al. (2019), Garret & Danziger (2018), and Sheikh et al. (2018) has investigated the possible causes and predictors of cyberloafing. Many studies have examined the occurrence of internet abuse in the workplace. While there are those who suggest that cyberloafing can have positive results, others emphasize its harmful impacts as a coping method for stress tied to work. During their breaks, employees frequently utilize internet resources supplied by the company to visit non-work-related websites, such as YouTube and social media. Furthermore, there is a favorable correlation between engaging in cyberloafing and employee moods, but dealing with work-related emails can have a detrimental effect on emotional well-being. Some individuals also use the internet to augment their knowledge and stay updated on current events, both inside their own country and worldwide. Despite companies' attempts to restrict internet access, multiple studies suggest that employees persist in engaging in cyberloafing during productive work hours. According to these findings, a moderate amount of cyberloafing could be seen as acceptable. This highlights the need for organizations to permit internet use for educational and recreational objectives, while yet maintaining ethical limits (Smith et al., 2018). In contrast, cyberloafing hinders work time and diminishes task performance. According to Jones et al. (2019), employees' commitment to job performance is impeded when they use their working hours to purchase on internet sites such as eBay. Most jobs require employees to use information technology devices, which often leads to them engaging in cyberloafing activities. Thus, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to investigate the role of cyberloafing as a mediator of staff job satisfaction in PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, Cameroon.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of cyberloafing as a mediator of staff job satisfaction in PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

a. Examine the prevalence of cyber loafing behavior among employees at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe.

b. Assess the levels of job satisfaction among employees at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe 

c. Investigate the mediating role of cyber loafing in the relationship between job satisfaction and employee engagement.

d. Assess the impact of cyber loafing on organizational productivity.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

a. What is the prevalence of cyber loafing behavior among employees at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe?

b. What are the levels of job satisfaction among employees at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe?

c. Does cyber loafing play a mediating role in the relationship between job satisfaction and employee engagement at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe?

d. What is the impact of cyber loafing on organizational productivity at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe?

1.5  Research Hypotheses

H0: There is no significant mediation effect of cyberloafing on staff job satisfaction in PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, Cameroon.

Ha: There is a significant mediation effect of cyberloafing on staff job satisfaction in PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, Cameroon.

1.6  Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will provide a comprehensive explanation of cyberloafing and offers strategies for managing the repercussions of engaging in cyberloafing. Also, the research will reveal to employees that cyberloafing can have a range of outcomes, both advantageous and disadvantageous, depending on the specific activities and behaviors involved. Furthermore, the research will be valuable for enterprises in order to prevent the adverse consequences of cyberloafing. In addition, numerous firms will be able to establish regulations concerning internet usage in the workplace. This implementation acknowledges the inherent possibility of employees using the internet inappropriately 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 the role of cyberloafing as a mediator of staff job satisfaction in PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, Cameroon. 

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on the role of cyberloafing as a mediator of staff job satisfaction in PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, Cameroon. Empirically, the study will examine the prevalence of cyber loafing behavior among employees at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, assess the levels of job satisfaction among employees at PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, investigate the mediating role of cyberloafing in the relationship between job satisfaction and employee engagement and assess the impact of cyber loafing on organizational productivity.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to employees of PRESBOOK PLC Limbe, 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.

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.

Job satisfaction: the extent to which employees feel content and fulfilled with their jobs.