Misuse of Technology in the Workplace

I recently read a study about the misuse of technology in the workplace that includes a section I hadn't thought about previously: what people do on the internet while on corporate time. Dr Kimberly Young and Dr Carl Case recently published a study that includes email, adult websites, online gaming and many more websites that workers are accessing while on the clock.

When Weber talks about the ideal type, he discusses a kind of chain of command that deals with how businesses are structure (in somewhat of a pyramid form). He also discusses the idea of functional specialization (employees having specific specialized jobs that force them to do certain tasks). This study found a way where these ideas can become an issue. According to the study, managers of companies are supposed to monitor what their employees do online, as well as successfully execute their other managerial demands. Weber might look at this structure and automatically see how unproductive it really is. In this case, it is apparent that companies really need departments to monitor internet usage if they are concerned about what their employees are doing online on company time. 

Doctors Young and Case talk about some companies having internet policies in place (roughly 48% of those studied). However, it is apparent that policies aren't always followed. Weber would suggest a specialized department whose sole function it is to watch internet usage in the company. He would also suggest leaving the managers to do their primary jobs. This readjust, according to Weber, would make the company much more efficient over all.