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Workplace cyber abuse: challenges and implications for management

Natalia D'Souza (School of Management, College of Business, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand)
Darryl Forsyth (School of Management, College of Business, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand)
Kate Blackwood (School of Management, College of Business, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand)

Personnel Review

ISSN: 0048-3486

Article publication date: 17 November 2020

Issue publication date: 17 October 2021

774

Abstract

Purpose

This paper offers a synopsis of workplace cyber abuse, identifying patterns of and responses to cyber abuse, as well as barriers to reporting and successful organisational intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a pragmatic research paradigm, quantitative and qualitative survey data were collected from 205 targets of cyber abuse in New Zealand.

Findings

Nearly half of all respondents experienced more than one form of cyber abuse, with gendered patterns emerging. Workplace cyber abuse also frequently went unreported for varying reasons. Based on the descriptive analyses, four key challenges for the management of cyber abuse are identified: (1) multiple and gendered patterns of cyber abuse, (2) cyber abuse across organisational boundaries, (3) non-reporting and underreporting and (4) ineffective (or lack of) organisational interventions.

Practical implications

Implications for human resource management (HRM) and line managers include adopting a preventative approach to workplace cyber abuse by implementing clear policies, guidelines and resources to deal with cyber abuse, clarifying the boundaries of “workplace” cyber abuse and considering organisational protection measures for non-standard and vulnerable workers.

Social implications

Unique challenges with workplace cyber abuse emphasise the need for a coordinated, multilevel intervention approach involving organisations, policymakers, online platforms and academics.

Originality/value

This study provides an important overview of existing approaches to the management of workplace cyber abuse as well as a foundation upon which to base further research exploring good practice in its prevention and intervention and much-needed theoretical development.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the NetSafe Online Safety Grant (2018), through the Ministry of Justice, New Zealand. NetSafe is an independent non-profit organisation whose purpose is to promote a safer online experience for all New Zealand Internet users. The funders had no role in the study’s design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.

Citation

D'Souza, N., Forsyth, D. and Blackwood, K. (2021), "Workplace cyber abuse: challenges and implications for management", Personnel Review, Vol. 50 No. 7/8, pp. 1774-1793. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-03-2020-0210

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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