An Investigation into the Effect of Online Social Networking on Employee Productivity: A Case Study for a South African Government Entity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the impact that online social networks may have on an employee's productivity within a Government entity as a case study. The entity is juristic person, which has been established by an Act of the South African Parliament, and is responsible for providing appropriate cover to road users within the South African Borders. A literature review conducted on the impact of online social networks on employees showed that there can be both a positive and negative effect from using online social networks

The research instrument was a questionnaire drafted to capture responses from approximately 336 employees. The results were analysed using SPSS. The Cronbach's alpha value of 0,859, confirmed that the consistency and reliability of the data was adequate. A quantitative approach to the methodology was chosen, by using a self-administered survey that based on questionnaire using Likert Scale values. The questionnaire was presented to respondents via an online internet survey. This research was specific to a Government entity, and a stratified sample of approximately 336 employees was used. The sample of participants was selected from the various departments of the organisation and comprised the various levels of employees. The sampling technique used was a.....

The outcomes of the study showed that there still is uncertainty as to the impact social networks will have on employee productivity. The study did however confirm that. Facebook is still the most popular online social network, and has shown that mobile data and mobile devices are now becoming an essential tool in a way of accessing the online social networks. Many still use online social networks for socialising with friends and there is now a start towards using it for business/networking purposes. The key recommendations emerging were that the Government entity needs to develop an acceptable use policy regarding the use of online social networks, as more than 85% of respondents indicated they access online social networks during working hours via their cell phone. It is also further recommended that the use of online social networks be looked at past the fact that this is a social media tool, but rather look at these online social platforms as collaboration tools and for the sharing of information whether internal or external of the organisation

It became clear from the literature review of this study that research into the use of online social networks was lacking. Companies/Organisations need to understand that the new generation of employees regard technology (internet connectivity) and social networking per se as a part of their daily life and is no longer a "nice to have”. This channel allows people to communicate, share, learn and interact with each other whether it be on personal level or on a work level.