The Influence of (Online) Social Networks on Workers’ Attitudes and Behaviours in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

According to the literature, social relationships have a positive influence on work-related attitudes and behaviours. Taking into account that Online Social Networks (OSNs), brought about by Web 2.0, have become an international phenomena and have a considerable impact on the way people communicate and interact with each other, the chapter’s purpose is to evaluate the effect that the use of OSNs has on the worker’s attitudes and behaviours. In this way, the authors use a questionnaire to evaluate the attitudes of 157 faculty members in Higher Education Institutions (HEI). To assess the use of OSNs by faculty members, they use a binary variable. After analysing and discussing the results, the authors conclude that the use of OSNs influences the workers’ performance traits. The relations they propose in what concerns the workers’ attitudes are all empirically proven. At last, the authors describe the study limitations and suggest some perspectives for future research.