Effects Of Digital Surveillance Transparency And Perceived Privacy Invasion On Employee Performance In Remote Work Settings Among NGOs In Kaduna State

Abstract

This study examined the effects of digital surveillance transparency and perceived privacy invasion on employee performance in remote work settings among NGOs in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The increasing adoption of remote work and digital monitoring technologies has raised concerns regarding employee privacy, trust, accountability, and productivity. Despite growing research on workplace surveillance, limited empirical evidence exists on how surveillance transparency and privacy concerns affect employee performance among NGOs in developing-country remote work settings. Specifically, the study investigated the effect of communication frequency regarding digital surveillance and perceived misuse of personal information on employee performance. The study was anchored on Organisational Justice Theory. A quantitative cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised 70 employees working remotely across seven selected NGOs in Kaduna State. A census sampling technique was employed, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire. All 70 questionnaires distributed were completed and returned, resulting in a response rate of 100 percent. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with the aid of SPSS Version 25. The findings revealed that digital surveillance transparency has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, while perceived privacy invasion has a negative and significant effect on employee performance. The study concludes that transparent communication regarding workplace monitoring enhances employee trust, accountability, and productivity, whereas privacy concerns undermine employee motivation and work effectiveness. The study recommends that NGOs adopt transparent surveillance practices, strengthen data protection measures, and ensure that monitoring activities respect employees’ privacy rights.