The Structural Relationship Between Workplace Stressors and Cyberloafing Behaviour: A SEM-Based Analysis

This study examines the structural relationship between workplace stressors and cyberloafing using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as the underlying framework. While prior studies have explored the role of workplace stressors such as workplace ostracism, role ambiguity, role conflict, and role overload in predicting counterproductive work behaviour, few have tested a comprehensive structural model linking these stressors directly to cyberloafing. Drawing a validated construct established through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in earlier phases of this research, this study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the direct effects of the four stressors on cyberloafing among Malaysian employees. Results of the SEM analysis reveal that all four workplace stressors (workplace ostracism, role ambiguity, role conflict, and role overload) have statistically significant effects on cyberloafing. Specifically, workplace ostracism (β = 0.126, p = 0.041), role ambiguity (β = 0.080, p = 0.030), and role conflict (β = 0.330, p = 0.001) were found to have significant positive relationship with cyberloafing. Interestingly, role overload (β = –0.014, p = 0.045) showed a significant but slightly negative effect. The structural model exhibited acceptable fit (χ²/df = 2.71, CFI = 0.912, TLI = 0.901, RMSEA = 0.067), explaining 43% of the variance in cyberloafing behaviour. These findings provide empirical support for TPB in the context of digital deviance and extend prior research by modelling multiple stressors simultaneously. The study also offers practical implications for organizations seeking to mitigate cyberloafing by addressing role-based and social stressors in the workplace.