(A Research in the Information Sector on the Mediating Role of Work Engagement in the Effect of Cyberloafing Behavior on Work Performance)

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the interactions between the perception of work engagement and work performance of employees' cyberloafing behavior in an IT industry in downtown Konya within the ego-depletion theory framework. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative research method has been applied in the research. In the study, "Cyberloafing Scale" created by Örücü and Yildiz (2014), Schaufeli et al. (2002), "Work Engagement Scale" which has been translated into Turkish by Eryılmaz and Doğa (2012), and "Job Performance" scales created by Sigler and Pearson (2000) have been used. Data have been obtained from the sample through the questionnaire form. The universe of the research consists of 420 employees of a firm operating in informatics in Konya. The sampling frame consists of the usable questionnaire received from 383 employees in this firm. Confirmation factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation model analysis have been applied to the obtained data using SPSS and AMOS programs, and various results have been obtained. Findings – According to the research findings, while cyberloafing has a significant and negative effect on work engagement, there is no significant effect on job performance. It has been determined that work engagement has a significant positive effect on job performance. On the other hand, work engagement does not play a mediating role in the effect of cyberloafing on work performance. Discussion – As a result of the literature review, it has been seen that cyberloafing is a destructive and deviant type of behavior. In this context, a hypothesis has been built that cyberloafing will have a negative effect on job performance and work engagement and that work engagement will have a positive effect on job performance. In the research findings, a positive effect of employees' work engagement on their job performance has been determined. Also, the expected result of the study is that cyberloafing has a negative effect on work engagement. On the other hand, cyberloafing does not affect job performance. Besides, the lack of a mediator effect of work engagement in the relationship between cyberloafing and work performance is considered a result of inconsistent results in the published literature.