Enhancing psychological capital in the digital age: a fresh look to cyberloafing phenomenon

Abstract

In this study, the interaction between cyberloafing and psychological capital was examined by considering demographic characteristics. Scanning, relational and causal comparison models are used within the scope of the quantitative paradigm. The data of a total of 196 participants were analyzed. A series of correlation, variance and regression analysis was performed. According to the results of the analysis, cyberloafing and psychological capital averages differ significantly depending on demographic data. Cyberloafing scores of males and those with a lower age group are significantly higher. Women, those with low working years and younger age, and psychology proffesionals have lower psychological capital. Psychological capital is negatively related to the outcome and punishment sub-dimension and beliefs about the outcome, while the behavior, attitude and facilitator dimension is positively related. Regression analysis indicated that cyberloafing subfactors (consequences and punishment, beliefs about outcomes, and facilitating) accounted for 16.3% of PsyCap variance, while work experience contributed an extra 4.3%. Consequence and punishment, and beliefs about outcome are associated with decreased PS, facilitator dimension, and working year associated with increased PS. The study suggests that lenient policies on non-work-related internet use enhance employees' PsyCap through cyberloafing, whereas strict cautionary measures decrease it.