The Effect of Trust on Personal Web Usage in the Workplace

Abstract

This chapter addresses the concept and importance of interpersonal trust through the use of the Internet in an organizational setting. In particular, personal Web usage is explored by examining employee interpersonal trust. Personal Web use refers to an employee’s utilization of the Internet for non-job related activities within a work environment. Examples of personal Web use include online banking, participating in instant messaging or chat sessions, buying goods or services, and any other activity in which the Internet is accessed for non-work-related tasks. A discussion regarding the importance of trust, its nature, and strategies for building interpersonal trust in an organizational setting are offered. Generalized guidelines for organizational practice and recommendations to support a culture of trust within the work environment are presented. This chapter addresses the notion of trust through personal Web usage as a human resource management issue.