Influence of Social Interaction on Workplace Motivation and Efficiency of Instructors: An Exploratory Case Study about an Online University in Pakistan

This study investigates the level of social interaction, its determinants and influence on the instructors’ motivation and work efficiency in an online university in Pakistan. Exploratory case study design has been used for this purpose. Data was gathered through participant observations and one-to-one interviews. Ten interviews were conducted from instructors belonging to four different departments. Observations were carried out for a period of one month. The study revealed that in the online university, level of social interaction was lower than a traditional one. Instructors pointed out various reasons behind it including high workload, seating arrangements, and attitude of some of the heads. Even when they had free time and opportunities, most of the them preferred browsing through the internet or chatting with their fellows through computers. It appeared that the online culture and intense human-computer interaction had made them addicted to machines. Almost all the instructors agreed that higher and better level of social interaction would improve their job motivation, work efficiency and institutional attachment. They suggested more relaxed environment, trips and social gathering, workshops and conferences involving all the departments, sports week for the faculty members, and facilities like canteen and staffroom for improved social interaction and work experience.