The Role of Creative Breaks as a Mediator of the Influence of Cyberloafing on Lecturer Productivity in a Hybrid Work Model at Higher Education Institutions in Makassar

A. Nona Yuliana Amran, M. Irfan Maulana Bima, Muhammad Hilmi Huldi

Abstract


This study aims to analyze the effect of cyberloafing on lecturer productivity with creative break as a mediating variable in higher education institutions in Makassar implementing hybrid work models, while integrating Islamic work ethics (halal principles). Post-pandemic digital transformation has provided work flexibility while raising challenges regarding work discipline and cognitive health. Using a quantitative explanatory approach, data were gathered from 150 active lecturers via purposive sampling and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS. The results reveal that cyberloafing has a positive and significant effect on creative break (β = 0.435, p < 0.001), and creative break significantly boosts lecturer productivity (β = 0.629, p < 0.001). However, cyberloafing has no direct significant effect on productivity (β = 0.118, p = 0.104). Mediation tests confirm that creative break plays a full mediation role (β = 0.274, p < 0.001). The study concludes that controlled cyberloafing functions as a cognitive restoration mechanism (restorative cyberloafing), fostering creative breaks that ultimately enhance academic productivity. The Islamic perspective emphasizes adhering to principles of trust (amanah), professionalism (itqan), and avoiding wastefulness (israf) to ensure digital breaks remain halal and blessed.


Keywords


Cyberloafing, Creative Break, Lecturer Productivity, Hybrid Work, Islamic Work Ethics, PLS-SEM

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.24027960

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Socius: Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial

ISSN : 3025-6704