Analyzing the Role of Enterprise Social Media and Employee Performance in Presence of Workplace Isolation: A Social Exchange Perspective

The objective of this research study is to investigate the mediating influence of workplace isolation on enterprise social media (ESM) and employee performance (EP). Also, it explores the role of workplace integration as a moderator between ESM and workplace isolation. Based on quantitative approach, a cross-sectional survey technique was followed and the primary data was collected from public and private firms operating in telecommunication sector. Initially, a total of 375 respondents were considered for the data collection based on convenience sampling. The final analysis was executed on 300 questionnaires. SPSS and PLS3.0 were performed to test the association between the identified variables. The research study revealed the significant impact of ESM and employee performance among employees working in the telecommunication sector during COVID-19 pandemic. It also provided great insights about the relationship between SCM, EP, and WPI of employees and helped the top managers of telecommunication sector to devise policies and work methods to enhance productivity and employee efficiency. It also highlighted the different psychological and emotional constructs of workers especially in conditions of great uncertainty and panic like during COVID-19 pandemic. Based on social exchange theory, this research study showed some noticeable results for the managers and policy makers. Although ESM is considered important in boosting employee performance, this research study showed positive relationship between the SCM, EP, and WPI of employees. The research analysis depicted very encouraging results, which are of greater help to the managers working in the telecommunication sector. The results are equally fruitful for the managers and employees working in other sectors as employers and employees both went through the same emotional and social pressures during COVID-19 pandemic.