Digital Surveillance in the Workplace: A Study of Monitoring Practices Across Organizations in Punjab
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63682/jns.v14i8.6670Keywords:
Digital Surveillance, Employee Monitoring, Organizational Behavior, Workplace Privacy, Punjab, CCTV Monitoring, Biometric SystemsAbstract
The increasing integration of digital technologies into organizational frameworks has amplified the prevalence of surveillance practices across various sectors. This study investigates the nature and extent of digital surveillance practices in Punjab, with a particular focus on how organizations monitor employee activities and data. Drawing from qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys conducted across public and private institutions, the research explores the tools, purposes, and perceived intrusiveness of digital monitoring. The findings reveal a growing reliance on surveillance technologies such as biometric systems, internet usage tracking, CCTV, GPS-enabled devices, and productivity monitoring software. While organizations justify these measures as necessary for security, efficiency, and policy compliance, employees often express concerns regarding privacy, autonomy, and ethical boundaries. The study highlights the need for balanced surveillance policies that protect organizational interests while upholding employee rights and fostering trust. The paper concludes with recommendations for developing transparent digital surveillance frameworks guided by legal, ethical, and human resource considerations. The research aims to understand the tools used, the rationale behind their deployment, and their perceived impact on employee privacy and workplace culture. A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining quantitative surveys distributed among 250 employees across diverse organizations with in-depth qualitative interviews conducted. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic coding to uncover trends, patterns, and subjective perceptions regarding digital monitoring. The findings indicate a growing reliance on surveillance technologies such as CCTV, biometric attendance systems, internet usage tracking, email monitoring, and GPS-enabled field tracking. While organizations largely justify these practices on grounds of security, productivity, and compliance, employees often report concerns related to privacy invasion, stress, and reduced trust. The study concludes by advocating for transparent, policy-driven surveillance frameworks that balance organizational needs with ethical standards and employee rights.
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