Module 3 Entry

The word deviance can be defined as the state of withdrawing from the usual standard behavior and moving towards a more negative behavior. This behavior can occur physically, sexually, or socially. Some examples of deviance would be assault, rape, and verbally asserting someone. When talking about workplace deviance, it is defined as the same as deviance, but the behavior occurs in a workplace. An example of workplace deviance is an employee getting fired then proceeding to cause a scene in the workplace afterwards. Another example would be threatening a company via email or from a restricted phone number because something didn’t go your way. Nowadays, technology has increased and there have been a variety of social media platforms developed. This makes it easier for workplace deviance to occur. Deviance doesn’t have to always be in person, it can also occur through the web. This is because the intent is not to hurt them in person, but to hurt them period. An example of workplace deviance can be as simple as making a negative post about a company. Not only does it lower the performance levels, but it also ruins the reputation of the company. Another example of this would be sending an email threatening the company. This is labeled as workplace deviance because it disobeys the company’s expectations. When first arriving on the job or doing the interview process, most jobs tell you their standards and expectations. This poses a threat to companies because it is so hard to find out who is behind the attacks. Most companies receive threats and think they are outside of the company, but realistically employees pose the biggest threat. This is because employees have access to certain documents and servers that outsiders do not. All in all, workplace deviance was probably bound to happen verbally/social, but now it is easier with the use of technology.