Title: The effect of manager phubbing on workplace morale and sense of belonging

Authors: Elif Bilginoğlu; Uğur Yozgat

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, İstanbul Nişantaşı University, Turkey ' Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, İstanbul Nişantaşı University, Turkey

Abstract: This study explores the phenomenon of phubbing - where individuals ignore others in social settings by focusing on their smartphones - through an examination of its psychological, social, and behavioural implications. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates how manager phubbing negatively impacts workplace morale and employees' sense of belonging. Our findings demonstrate that phubbing significantly reduces relationship satisfaction, evokes feelings of neglect, and lowers perceived social value. Additionally, the study presents strategies to minimise phubbing behaviours and promote digital well-being in organisational settings. By providing new insights into the workplace implications of phubbing, this research highlights the issue's broader significance and offers practical recommendations for tackling this pervasive behaviour.

Keywords: phubbing; manager phubbing; smartphone addiction; workplace morale; sense of belonging.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2026.153670

Middle East Journal of Management, 2026 Vol.13 No.3, pp.332 - 350

Received: 09 Jul 2024
Accepted: 30 Oct 2024
Published online: 21 May 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article