Cyberloafing deterrence in the public sector of Ghana

Abstract The integration of the Internet into various aspects of business operations, including the public sector, is rapidly becoming a norm. However, within this evolving landscape, the issue of cyberloafing, the misuse of the internet for unauthorized activities, cannot be ignored. Existing research on cyberloafing in developing countries, specifically in Ghana, has predominantly focused on higher education students. A brief examination of the literature pertaining to cyberloafing in developing nations reveals a prevalent emphasis on categorizing cyberloafing activities, often with limited insight into the motivations and deterrence of such behavior. Drawing on the framework of the General Deterrence theory, this paper delves into the underlying factors that deter cyberloafing behavior within the public sector of Ghana. Through the utilization of a partial least square structural equation model, the study analyzed data from 473 responses collected from public institutions across Ghana. The study revealed that factors such as certainty, monitoring, and security risks significantly influence the manifestation of cyberloafing behavior among employees in the Ghanaian public sector. However, the Severity and Celerity of sanctions were found not to influence cyberloafing behavior. The moderating effect of age and culture on the deterrent constructs and cyberloafing behavior vary. The study serves as a strategic framework to curd the rampant cyberloafing activities in many public sector institutions particularly in the global south. In essence, this study contributes not only to the understanding of cyberloafing behavior in the Ghanaian public sector but also provides a valuable foundation for designing targeted interventions to address this issue, ultimately fostering a more productive and responsible online engagement within these institutions.