International Journal of Human Research and Social Science Studies

The increasing integration of smartphones into daily life has introduced phubbing—a blend of "phone" and "snubbing"—as a subtle but disruptive behaviour in professional environments. This study investigates the prevalence and implications of phubbing on managerial effectiveness and staff interpersonal relations in public secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, data were collected from 320 teachers and 40 principals across four Local Government Areas using a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis.    Findings reveal a moderate prevalence of phubbing behaviours among school staff and administrators. Frequent smartphone use during meetings and collaborative tasks was reported to significantly disrupt attention and delay communication processes. Results indicate that phubbing negatively affects managerial clarity, authority, and decision-making. Interpersonal relations were also undermined, with respondents reporting feelings of being ignored, reduced team cohesion, and increased miscommunication. While gender and age differences in phubbing behaviour were tested, statistical analyses showed no significant variation, suggesting the issue is institutionally rooted rather than demographically driven. The study aligns with existing literature which associates phubbing with diminished trust, impaired communication, and reduced job satisfaction in organizational contexts. It highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to address digital distractions as a managerial and relational challenge. The study concludes that phubbing compromises effective school leadership and collegial interaction, both of which are critical for institutional performance and staff morale. Recommendations include the implementation of phone use policies, leadership training in digital etiquette and emotional intelligence, awareness campaigns on the consequences of phubbing, and the establishment of device-free zones within school premises. These interventions are essential for fostering a respectful and focused educational work environment.

Phubbing, Managerial Effectiveness, Interpersonal Relations, Mobile Phones, Public Secondary Schools, Nigeria

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