Should cyberloafing be allowed in the workplace?

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide a brief review of cyberloafing in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Specifically, this paper discusses the nature of cyberloafing, factors that influence cyberloafing, positive and negative impacts of cyberloafing, and suggestions for prevention and control. Design/methodology/approach This paper has four sections: what is cyberloafing, what motivates people to cyberloaf, negative and positive impacts of cyberloafing and suggestions for its prevention and control. Findings There are various reasons that motivate employees to cyberloaf, and cyberloafing has both positive and negative impacts. The decision to allow or disallow employees to cyberloaf at workplace very much depends on the company’s work culture and how top management thinks about cyberloafing. This paper provides several suggestions on how to control and prevent cyberloafing. Originality/value A holistic overview of cyberloafing is discussed in this paper.