Nexus between Boss Phubbing and Nurses’ Cyberloafing: In the Light of Social Exchange Theory

Abstract

The prevalence of cyberloafing is increasing, and researchers are keen to figure out the root cause and impact of this behavior at the workplace. The study examines the impact of boss phubbing (BP)—the act of a supervisor ignoring employees in favor of mobile phone use—on nurses' cyberloafing behaviors through the lens of Social Exchange Theory (SET). Data were collected from 391 nurses of both public and private hospitals of Pakistan. The data analysis was conducted by using Smart PLS software. This approach considers as robust method for evaluating the proposed relationships within research framework. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between BP and cyberloafing, suggesting that nurses who experience higher levels of BP are more likely to engage in non-work-related internet activities during work hours. The findings show significant positive relationship between Boss phubbing and Cyberloafing whereas Stress has mediating effect on said relationship. The findings of the study underscore the worth of fostering a nurturing workplace and executing employee-focused organizational policies and procedures. In this case, the study highlights the necessity for healthcare organizations to address BP to foster a more engaged and productive workforce. Furthermore, this study helps demonstrate the why and how on the need to understand boss phubbing and its consequential impact on the nurse individual. The results highlight the importance of having a positive work environment and/or encouraging organizational policies and practices that are supportive of the needs of employees. Revoking cyber-loafing requires attention since it could result in adverse consequences. Moreover, these are the fronts which need immediate attention. This is the pioneering study which examines the novel nexus among boss phubbing, stress and cyberloafing in the light of social exchange theory. Moreover, earlier literature has largely overlooked phubbing at workplace. This study helps delineate how the phubbing behavior of a boss actually changes the employees' cyberloafing tendencies. In addition, this study contributes significant additions to the literature in this domain, strengthens the overall theoretical framework pertaining to boss phubbing and cyber-loafing, and provides methodological and theoretical validation.