Bosses use social media at work more than subordinates

BERGEN, Norway, June 30 (UPI) -- When it comes to private social media use, bosses don't play by their own rules.

According to a new study by researchers at the University of Bergen, in Norway, managers and corporate executives hold more negative attitudes about private social media and Internet use at the workplace, yet the same bosses are more likely than their subordinates to use the Internet and social media during work hours.

"It is likely that managers are worried about reductions in output and financial loss as a result of use of private social media among their employees," said Schou Andreassen, a psychology professor at Bergen and author of the new study -- which was published recently in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication.

"The finding may also reflect that people with a high socioeconomic status, are not as afraid to lose their job as those in low-status jobs," explained Andreassen. "In addition, high rollers may be more interested in social media to advance their career."

Researchers collected different attitudes about private web use at work by surveying more than 11,000 Norwegian workers, including CEOs, middle managers and entry level employees.

In addition to better understanding the different feelings towards social media and Internet use, researchers were able to determine the best way to prevent employees from using the web for non-work related activities: "an active prohibition policy, as well as positive challenges at work."