Social Networking in the Workplace
Running head: SOCIAL NETWORKING IN THE WORKPLACE
Social Networking in the Workplace: Are There Benefits to Using
Social Networking in the Workplace?
Jaime Holt
Strayer University
Abstract
Social networking has become as popular as the telephone, email, and Internet. This new medium brings concerns of confidentiality and liability to many organizations. However, it has also proven to be an effective recruiting and marketing tool. Many employers are struggling with finding a way to monitor employee’s usage and content, while promoting their company at the same time.
Social Networking in the Workplace: Are There Benefits to Using
Social Networking in the Workplace? Social media has come a long way. From Facebook to Myspace to Twitter, there is a forum for just about everyone. Social media is not just a way to communicate with friends and loved ones but has become a way of networking and marketing. As with all new technology, employers are now meeting new challenges including how to effectively utilize social media to market their brand and also protect their reputation, all while monitoring their employees usage. The growing interest in social media can be exciting for employers who see its business advantages, but it also runs the risk of distracting employees and causing the company a public embarrassment, exposing it to liability, and putting proprietary information at risk (Twitter is Latest Electronic Tool, 2009). Jerry Stevenson, a director in the global HR technology and administrations practice at Buck Consultants in Dallas told BNA, “Companies need to get in front of the tools like Twitter and social networking in general and explain to employees what’s expected of them and where the lines are.” In order for employers to stay in front of the social networking craze they need to remain informed and educated on the latest technology. Rex Stephens, an attorney at Baker Hostetler said, “This newest technology, whether it’s
Social Networking in the Workplace: Are There Benefits to Using
Social Networking in the Workplace?
Jaime Holt
Strayer University
Abstract
Social networking has become as popular as the telephone, email, and Internet. This new medium brings concerns of confidentiality and liability to many organizations. However, it has also proven to be an effective recruiting and marketing tool. Many employers are struggling with finding a way to monitor employee’s usage and content, while promoting their company at the same time.
Social Networking in the Workplace: Are There Benefits to Using
Social Networking in the Workplace? Social media has come a long way. From Facebook to Myspace to Twitter, there is a forum for just about everyone. Social media is not just a way to communicate with friends and loved ones but has become a way of networking and marketing. As with all new technology, employers are now meeting new challenges including how to effectively utilize social media to market their brand and also protect their reputation, all while monitoring their employees usage. The growing interest in social media can be exciting for employers who see its business advantages, but it also runs the risk of distracting employees and causing the company a public embarrassment, exposing it to liability, and putting proprietary information at risk (Twitter is Latest Electronic Tool, 2009). Jerry Stevenson, a director in the global HR technology and administrations practice at Buck Consultants in Dallas told BNA, “Companies need to get in front of the tools like Twitter and social networking in general and explain to employees what’s expected of them and where the lines are.” In order for employers to stay in front of the social networking craze they need to remain informed and educated on the latest technology. Rex Stephens, an attorney at Baker Hostetler said, “This newest technology, whether it’s
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