The impact of electronic surveillance and workplace empowerment on work attitudes and behaviour

Research has shown that employees exposed to high levels of electronic surveillance in the workplace can experience a range of negative physical, psychological, and work outcomes. It has been suggested that some of these negative effects can be ameliorated by providing employees with control over their work environment. This study examined the impact of perceived levels of surveillance at work and workplace empowerment on work attitudes and behaviour. A questionnaire study was conducted with a general community sample of employed individuals (N = 406). Results showed that perceived levels of surveillance influenced people’s attitudes towards workplace surveillance and deviant work behaviour, but these effects were moderated by workplace empowerment. High levels of surveillance were associated with more negative attitudes towards surveillance and more deviant workplace behaviour for individuals low in empowerment, but not for those high in empowerment. These findings suggest that organisations may be able to minimise the negative consequences of surveillance by promoting employee empowerment.