Private Eyes Are Watching You: Reactions to Location Sensing Technologies

Purpose This study explored reactions to location sensing technologies (LSTs) which enable organizations to track the location and movements of employees, even off-site. In particular, we examined the relationships among two monitoring characteristics (i.e., purpose and control), perceptions of privacy invasion, and monitoring fairness. Design/Methodology/Approach This study employed a 2 (purpose) × 2 (control) factorial design using 208 college students. Study hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression. Findings The ability to control the location sensing device was related to monitoring fairness via privacy invasion, but no support was found for monitoring purpose. Implications The results underscore the importance of giving employees a sense of control over monitoring and providing them with "protected spaces" where monitoring can be avoided. Originality/Value This study offers the first examination of attitudes toward location sensing technologies.