Reflective Summary, Topic 4 #UOSM2008

Topic 4 has seen possibly the most diverse array of posts to date, with my peers choosing to focus on certain elements in particular, due to word count limitations. This owes to the fact that there is a wealth of information regarding the ethical issues presented by social media within the workplace, and some people decided to explore the issues raised in businesses like myself, and others focused on education.

There were many examples presented by my peers, some well known and some unbelievable; it was interesting to see the lengths some companies will go, in order to keep their reputation in tact, such as Virgin Atlantic firing 13 members of staff involve in one incident. I especially found the example Eldar posted bizarre, the teacher posing with a beer in her hand on her personal profile ended up losing her job! Could this have been prevented? Due to her profession, should she have known the consequences? Or was it a matter of not fully understanding the concept, consequences and power of social media?

One of the main talking points being discussed through Twitter and blog comments with my peers, and seen whilst reading other’s discussions, is the debate of whether a Social Media policy is the answer. Should businesses implement guidelines in an ettempt to control ethical issues presented by the use of social media on behalf of a business and/or within the workplace?

I shared this presentation on Twitter, as it poses the valid question, would guidelines or a set policy be more effective? Having read the presentation and developed my thoughts thanks to peer learning, here are arguments both for and against, as well as questions which businesses will need to ask themselves:

• Would the policy outline what they can’t do, what they should do or what they can do?
• Would the tone be one of caution or encouragement?
• Shouldn’t Social Media be embraced and utilised to its maximum potential?
• Would a ban against everything cause a backlash and conflict?

In agreement with my peers, I believe a Social Media policy is necessary given the current expansion of the internet, and following the many examples we have covered in topic 4. Evie had the strong belief “for companies to wake up, smell the coffee and implement professional social networking policies to ensure they are represented ethically online.” As presented by Anna, the Institute of Business Ethics highlight in this article, the fact that a policy would be advantageous for companies if consistent with the existing ethics policy within the organisation.

In conclusion, I believe that a company should impose guidelines and train their staff to make better use of social media and to gain a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a brand ambassador. A policy which is able to outline how an organisation’s culture should be transferred online, without limiting one’s social media use, would be a positive step forward in encouraging the optimal, appropriate use. Society is changing, our online presence is arguably being redefined on a weekly basis with social media platforms expanding and developing, so companies should endeavour to keep up the pace and aim to move with caution in recognising the potential drawbacks and reputation risk.