After learning about technology-related social problems at other companies, leadership has tasked you with drafting policy related to use of the technology resources provided to employees. Problems of this nature have not come to the attention of compliance or leadership. Knowing that this does not necessarily mean that there is no questionable behavior leading to legal consequences, you recommend that policy be proactive but motivational rather than punitive.
You agree that the consequences must be communicated, but you recommend that this is done by including descriptions of the impacts misuse and abuse can cause employees and their teams.
Leadership would like to see a draft of your recommendation. You concentrate on one potential problem by writing the following:
Research a technology-mediated social issue related to one of the following:
online bullying
social media interactions
online communications
online purchases
online scams
adolescent use of social media and text messaging
online dating sites and apps
online gaming
Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word proposal for a solution to this social issue by applying either the social cognitive (Bandura) or cognitive social learning (Rotter & Mischel) personality theories to explain human behavior related to the issue.
Outline your proposed policy including:
Explain the problem.
How it is a social problem that impacts the workplace?
How has technology worsened this human problem?
Summarize the social cognitive or social learning theory concepts to help explain this behavior.
Based on the theory you chose, propose a solution for this issue.
Outline the negative impacts behaviors have on:
Employees
Teams
Company
Customer
Outline the positive outcomes the policy will have for:
Employees
Teams
Company
Customer
Map a training plan for policy roll-out. (Relate it to the theory you have chosen.)
Map consequences for violations. (Relate it to the theory you have chosen.)
In the workplace, online bullying can severely impact employee well-being, team cohesion, and company reputation. It creates a toxic environment that undermines morale, productivity, and collaboration. The pervasive nature of technology means that work-related conflicts can spill over into personal time and spaces, making it difficult for employees to escape the stress and anxiety caused by harassment.
Theoretical Framework: Social Cognitive Theory
To understand and address this behavior, we can apply Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory. This theory posits that human behavior is the result of a continuous interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences. It emphasizes the concept of reciprocal determinism, where these three factors influence each other. A key element is observational learning, where individuals learn new behaviors by observing others, and the concept of self-efficacy, a person's belief in their ability to succeed in a particular situation.
In the context of online bullying, an individual may learn to bully by observing others do so—for example, seeing a colleague get away with a demeaning comment in a group chat without consequences. A lack of self-efficacy in addressing conflict directly may lead an individual to use online channels to express hostility. The disinhibition effect of technology, where people feel less constrained online, is a major environmental factor.
Proposed Solution and Policy Outline
Our proposed policy is proactive and motivational, focusing on building a positive culture rather than just punishing negative behavior.
Sample Answer
Online bullying and harassment, particularly through company communication channels, is a significant technology-mediated social issue. This problem, which extends beyond the workplace into personal lives, often manifests as repeated, hostile behavior intended to intimidate, shame, or humiliate an individual. It can take many forms, from spreading false rumors to posting embarrassing photos or sending threatening messages. While not a new human problem, technology has drastically amplified its scale and impact by allowing it to occur at any time, from any location, with a wider audience. The anonymity and distance afforded by digital platforms can embolden individuals to engage in behaviors they wouldn’t in person.