Functions of control mechanisms in mitigating workplace loafing; evidence from an Islamic society

The purpose of this study is to examine the functionality of control mechanisms in regards to workplace loafing. It is hypothesized that the organizational controls are negatively associated with non-cyber loafing but not with cyber-loafing, and also, self-control is negatively associated with both. Furthermore, non-cyber loafing was considered as the predictor of cyber-loafing, and self-control as the moderator of organizational controls/loafing relationship. As predicted, organizational controls were only associated with non-cyber loafing. In addition, self-control was associated with both the cyber- and non-cyber loafing, and non-cyber loafing associated with cyber-loafing. Contrary to the prediction, self-control did not ameliorate the effect of proximity on non-cyber loafing. Altogether, this study is the first to investigate the simultaneous and interactive effects of self-control and organizational controls in predicting the variance of both the cyber- and non-cyber loafing. The results provide insights to understand why and when the organizational controls should be implemented and/or self-control should be emphasized.