Case Study: Exploration of How Technology and Social Media Use Is Related to Internet Privacy Concerns in a Direct Sales Organization

Businesses and individuals are increasingly subjected to security breaches and disclosures of personal and financial information. Additionally, as social media, mobile computing applications, and other web based software become pervasive in our daily lives, concerns about the safety and integrity of information is gaining the attention of businesses, individuals and governments on a global basis. Based on survey research of 270 salespersons, this study explores relationships between concerns about internet privacy and the utilization of technology in a global direct sales organization. Quantitative responses were assessed to understand attitudes regarding the use of technology to support sales, service, education, and communications. Statistically significant relationships between age, intention to use technology, usage frequency, and internet privacy concerns were found. The privacy paradox was also confirmed.