Differing Cultural Perceptions Regarding the Appropriate Use of Workplace Computer Technologies

This study examined differences in perceptions of U.S. and international college students regarding appropriate use of computers. Ten common inappropriate computer-use behaviors were presented to students. Only two of the ten behaviors were identified by the students as being unacceptable. When compared by geographic region, the U.S. students rated four of the actions as being less acceptable than did the international students. Work experience had minimal influence on the students’ perceptions. The results indicate that regardless of nationality or previous work experience, students lack understanding of the appropriate use of workplace computer technologies. The results reinforce the need for corporations to establish written computer-use policies and to provide computer- use training for all employees. The corporate policy statements and training should include specific examples of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable actions