Knowledge of Privacy, Personal Use, and Administrative Oversight of Office Computers and E-mail in the Workplace

The objective of this research is to investigate the general public’s attitudes and knowledge of the accessibility, personal use, and administrative oversight of office computers and e-mail. Survey data from over 1,000 respondents were collected and statistically analyzed. Those with higher incomes, higher levels of education, and those working for larger and more formal organizations have greater understanding of the accessibility and use of e-mail and office computers. Younger males with higher education and incomes report using office e-mail and computers most often for personal use. Additionally, employees working in government are more likely to be aware of administrative oversight of employee computer files and e-mail. Findings indicate employers should take steps to enhance employee knowledge concerning office computer and e-mail privacy issues, performance monitoring, and employer surveillance. Use of computers and e-mail has increased dramatically in the past 20 years. The increase in usage has magnified the importance of technology in business and the need for proper managerial oversight of technology. To provide this oversigh