Cyberloafers and Cyber sleuths

Title of Essay: Cyberloafers and Cyber sleuths

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Introduction

Advances in technology have given rise to a more sophisticated ways of social interaction. Man can now interact with the real world via computer-stimulated systems. This has encouraged social interaction which in turn improves the welfare of the concerned parties. However, the use of company facilities to pursue personal ambitions has raised eye brows between the employees and the employers.

To begin with, the functionalists argue that a society is comprised of different and interdependent structures including economy, education, religion as well as the family. These institutions are related and interdependent and functions together to enhance the stability and social order. It is therefore important that employers understand the significance of such relations and allow their workers to coordinate with their environments on pertinent issues in the society (Layder, 1981).

Besides, it is important to appreciate the differences and conflicts that emerge in a society. According to Karl max in his conflict theory, embraces the tensions and conflicts in the society and argue that such conflicts are necessary in fostering social stability and cohesion. The employers have a right to control what their employees are doing with the company computers during work time. On the other hand, the employees are social beings and have to interact with their colleagues in the society. Cyber slacking should not be encouraged in the workplace as employees are supposed to perform their office duties during such times. In cases where the activity of cyber slacking is rampant, the employers may be forced to initiate cyber sleuthing so as to enhance accountability in the workplace (Lichgate, & Zuckerman, 1997).

Interaction theory on the other hand emphasizes on the creation of social structures through interactions among the people in the society. According to the theory, the people themselves define what a social reality as well as what other people are doing. In a workplace for instance, the employers and the employees’ choice of behavior should be determined by existing situation. The interaction between the two parties should bring forth a standardized code of behavior in the company. Employees should understand that the company computers are only used to perform company duties during work time and not other social duties. However, such computers may be used to perform personal duties when situation demand. For example, an employee may want to attend to argent matters of his family such as sickness of a family member. In such situation, the employer should understand and allow the employee to use the company asset. In cases where employees are engaged in rampant cyber slacking, the employer has a right to initiate cyber sleuthing to ensure worker responsibility as well as accountability (Layder, 1981).

Generally, positive interaction between the employer and the employees in a workplace creates an atmosphere enjoyed by all the parties in the environment. Employees are entitled to respecting the company rules and regulations so as to execute their duties responsibly. They are supposed to carry out company duties during work time and perform personal work outside work time. They should not be engaged in cyber slacking or cyber loafing in an attempt to pursue their personal duties using the company computers during work time. However, employers should embrace some tolerance in situations of agency as mentioned earlier. Employers on the other hand are bestowed with the authority to ensure that the company regulations are adhered to. In cases where the employees are involved in rampant cyber slacking, the employers are left with no other alternative except to initiate cyber sleuthing so as to ensure responsibility and accountability in the workplace (Layder, 1981. However, cyber sleuthing may create conflict in the workplace as many employees would feel that their privacy has been invaded. In such cases, the company should adopt other methods of controlling cyber slacking including assigning workers duties that would be completed within the stipulated office hours.

Conclusion

All the stakeholders in the society should embrace the changes in the technologies as well as appreciate the importance of social interactions as a means of enhancing social stability. Companies should adopt strategies that do not create conflict between the workers and the employers as they pursue their duties and responsibilities in the workplace. Very strict rules in the company should also be avoided including cyber sleuthing which is considered invasionary to the privacy of the workers. More importantly, all the stakeholders should be encouraged to understand and respect the corporate culture and do what is right at the right time and place.

Referencing List:

Lichbach, M. & Zuckerman, A. (1997). Comparative politics: rationality, culture, and structure.

Cambridge University Press.

 Layder, D. (1981). STRUCTURE, INTERACTION AND SOCIAL THEORY. Routledge.