E-Mail Policies of the 50 States: A Content Analysis

Abstract

E-mail has become one of the most common means of office communication. It has also become a risky and potentially costly mode of communication. A well-written e-mail policy is a major safeguard for employers against the intentional and unintentional abuse of office e-mail privileges. A growing body of literature offers suggestions on the essential components of an e-mail policy. In this article, the author compares the 50 states' e-mail policies with these components to assess their adequacy. Only two states' e-mail policies have 10 of the 11 components. Furthermore, none of the states' policies clarify the grievance process for e-mail policy violations.