Analyzing Behavioral Implications of Face Mask Wearing to Slow COVID-19 in Organizational Workplaces

Analyzing Behavioral Implications of Face Mask Wearing to Slow COVID-19 in Organizational Workplaces

DOI: 10.4018/IJARPHM.2022010106
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Abstract

As the nation battles COVID-19, we analyze the policy and tactics required to follow the recommendations of scientists and health professionals to achieve physical and psychological well-being by wearing masks to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2. An online survey from a business-focused social media network is employed to understand the issues for and against mask wearing. The survey findings showed that 60% of organizations have created some kind of health pact, pledge, or commitment and that most plans identified impact everyone who interacts with a business, not just employees. The findings do not shed much light on what drives people to opt out of mask wearing. The practical findings are that there is a need for achieving, understanding, and subsequent buy in of mask wearing that would be helped with a solid plan. The limitations of the research are primarily the small size of the convenience sample and the fact that the population may be restricted. Replication of this type of study with a formal, qualitative approach aimed at populations of interest is highly recommended.
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Theoretical Framework

The goal is to create a recommended path forward for organizations seeking to create physically and psychologically safe workspaces. To that end, the researchers tested a survey on a small group of professionals, then sent it out on LinkedIn requesting participation. The survey was titled “Mask Wearing in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Searching for Answers.” The request for participation appears below.

As the Nation works through the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and health professionals tell us that wearing masks is helpful in creating a physically and psychologically safe environment to protect personal health and the wellness of others. Two researchers have created a short survey to understand the dynamics of mask wearing in workplaces.

The primary inquiry seeks organizational views from employees and from top and middle managers. The researchers want to determine whether organizations have made decisions to mandate or encourage mask wearing via an institutional pact/pledge/commitment, and the rationale and enforcement of that decision.

During testing of the survey questions, initial responses ranged from companies having some plan, mandatory or no, to having no plan. The researchers are interested in using data collected to suggest a plan of action. The researchers look forward to analyzing the data and drawing some conclusions.

We hope you will decide to participate. Your responses are completely anonymous with absolutely no way of identifying any participants. Once you have started the survey, you may end participation at any time.

Twenty-two people completed the survey in the two weeks it was offered on the social media site. The questions were:

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