Cyber technology has brought many benefits to the workplace, but it has also created opportunities for workplace deviance. Workplace deviance refers to any behavior that violates organizational norms or expectations and can harm the organization or its members. Here are some ways cyber technology has influenced workplace deviance:
With the rise of digital communication channels like email, instant messaging, and social media, cyberbullying has become a prevalent form of workplace deviance. Employees may use these platforms to harass, intimidate, or spread rumors about their colleagues, leading to a hostile work environment and low morale.
Employees have been able to participate in cyberloafing, which is the practice of exploiting work time and resources for personal activities such as social media surfing, online shopping, or video streaming, thanks to easy access to the internet and personal devices at work. This kind of behavior wastes company resources and lowers productivity.
Employees now find it simpler to steal confidential information from their company, such as trade secrets, client information, or intellectual property, thanks to cyber technology. This can be accomplished via insider threats, hacking, or unauthorized access to computer systems, which could cost the business money and harm its brand.
Workers in cutthroat sectors could resort to cyberespionage in order to obtain private data on competitors. This may entail breaking into rival companies’ networks, listening in on their conversations, or hacking into their systems to acquire important information or trade secrets.
On their work computers, employees may install hardware or software that is not authorized, such as external storage devices, personal programs, or unlicensed software. This may put the company’s security at danger, jeopardize the integrity of the network, and result in data leaks or system vulnerabilities.
All things considered, although cyber technology has transformed the workplace and made it possible for people to be more connected and efficient, it has also created new opportunities for abnormal conduct. Policies, monitoring systems, and training initiatives must be put in place by employers in order to reduce these hazards and preserve a happy and effective work environment.