In order to test this theory two groups of employees would be observed for a given amount of time, say a week. Group 1 would have access to all websites, even if usually blocked. They would be watched carefully. Time on these websites would be logged and hidden cameras could even observe how often they used their personal phones. There would be a manager on duty, but he/she would stay in his/her office in order to allow Group 1 to surf and socialize as freely as possible. They would proceed with their usual workday given the same amount of work as usual and after a week, results would show how much time was spent "productively working" and how much time was spent otherwise.
Group 2 would be blocked from all websites except anything needed for their daily work. They would be asked to check all personal items upon entrance in a secure designated area away for their workspace. They would be under the watchful eye of an involved manager who would make him/herself present throughout the workday. Group 2 would be observed in the same way as Group 1. The speed in finishing work would be documented and results of this study could verify whether the usage of personal websites, e-mails, and instant messaging is effecting the productivity of a given workforce.
3 comments:
Traci’s research question, “Is surfing the web, writing and reading personal e-mails and instant messaging effecting today's workforce?” is most definitely a concern when it comes to media’s impact on people. I think the method for testing would be effective in finding out if indeed these mediums are indeed affecting today’s workforce, negatively and/or positively. Based on Traci’s research question, I hypothesize that surfing the web, instant messaging, and things of that nature, would most definitely have a NEGATIVE impact on today’s workforce. I believe these things only serve as a distraction to work that must be done and usually result in major procrastination. But in contrast, I think completely prohibiting all of the items listed above can call for a less relaxed, more stressful work environment because there would be no opportunity to break away from work and deal with personal things that are bound to come up during a common work day. Overall, I think Traci’s research question is something that relates well to media impact, and I think her research method would bring about accurate results.
(Sorry this was submitted late! My Internet was down until just now.)
i agree with what your saying. Employess would work more diligently if websites were restricted or blocked. Some companies have gone to the extent of leaving cell phones in a bin after clocking in. I think your method of research would be an efficient way of determining which media impacts the workplace in a negative way. I myself work in an office and I never get work done because Myspace and Facebook are restricted, so i'm always on my iPhone. Either that or my girlfriend doesn't stop texting me, so i can also agree with Amanda's comment about messaging and web surfing's negative impact on the workforce. I agree with amanda's comment about prohibiting all of the items, but sometimes you need them. Work flies by if you can get your work done, and have the rest of the day to do such things. Overall, I agree with your blog Traci
i agree with everything you have said. There are many distractions on the computer. When i go on to do school work i find my self on facebook or myspace aimlessly looking at other peoples photos instead of actually doing my work. I think it's a good thing to block these websites at schools and work places.
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