Mixing business with pleasure: How to manage internet usage in the workplace

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

There are many things in life that tend to sharply divide opinion – like the internet. On the one hand, the world wide web (WWW) is considered an invaluable learning resource. Information and advice relating to anything and everything is never more than a few mouse‐clicks away. Others remain unconvinced though. To them, cyberspace is full of hidden dangers and responsible for certain unhealthy obsessions that people are prone to form. Any debate about the merits or otherwise of the internet is a salient one for the workplace. Browsing has become part of everyday life for a huge amount of people who regularly immerse themselves in the virtual world. Significant numbers even engage in this activity during their working hours.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.

Citation

(2012), "Mixing business with pleasure: How to manage internet usage in the workplace", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 30-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731211224366