Dataveillance in the Workplace : Privacy Threat or Market Imperative ?

The work environment is changing in response to market pressures, and the psychological contract that previously typified many employer and employee work relationships is coming under distinct threat as pervasive Internet-based technologies now enable management to monitor employees’ email, computer interactions, and general work productivity. Although in some cases management may have legitimate reasons to monitor employees’ actions, it is becoming increasingly evident that the use of these technologies has the potential to negatively impact employee productivity and morale, and in some cases employee health and wellbeing. This chapter outlines some of the emerging issues relating to workplace surveillance from the employees’ perspective, as well as the motivation behind management’s decision to employ technologies in order monitor their employees.