Organizational goals and values: Social Networking at its best and worst.

HW Commentary

Organizations face many challenges in the day to day operation of their business models. Success is often in the hands of the very employees who manage the day to day operations of the organization. Issues such as career-life fit, ethical behavior at work, transparency, and the risk of the organization’s reputation with the increased use of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and a sundry of other networking sites.

Social networking sites are continually altering how and when people interact in the workplace. Gone are the days when an employee had a telephone at the desk and potentially a typewriter. Information was reviewed at the library and photocopied for the archives. Information was disseminated at a snail’s pace. The new millennium has brought about a change in how people interact, communicate, and share ideas.

There is a blurring of lines between professional and private lives. Many corporations think they have a right to know what their employee’s private lives are about. They search the various social networking sites before hiring individuals as they seek to learn about the lives of their employees or prospective employees. The employee, in essence, gives away their right to privacy by advertising their lives on the social networking sites.

From an organizational perspective, what can your organization do to combat the issues associated with the social networking sites? Organizational reputations and branding can be targeted by individuals who utilize these sites. Brands can become very vulnerable and exposed to exploitation by employees and consumers alike. Damage does occur; often from the very employees who promote the brand.

As this communication media is evolving, there is a wide array of debates pertaining to the use of the social networking sites within organizations. Some organizations join the social networking sites to promote their products and services; while others do not. Organizations, no matter what their stance, should teach culture, values, and organizational ethics in order to mitigate the risk of their reputation online.

Library:
Library: HW Associates Debates
Services: Consulting
Overview: Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility

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