Social networking has long been used for entertainment purposes. Although, just now does it get more exposure, and usually more bad than good, businesses need to realize that blocking one’s access to it will not solve anything. Amazingly, some companies support the idea of social networking between employees whereas others see it as threat. Companies believe that by blocking access to a website such as Facebook or MySpace, employees would use their time more productively for the company. Sounds good, but this idea creates more problems than it solves. Employees would feel like they’re being watched and restricted. Many employees would find other ways to visit the website, which would usually take up more time then a quick visit which would otherwise happen.
Many university professors are already using Facebook to give out homework and discuss class materials. This facilitates the students’ ease of information sharing. Email is one dimensional meaning that it’s a one way communication between the receiver and sender. Many times, a question may be asked several times, which ultimately consumes the professors’ time obliging him/her to respond with short and sometimes unhelpful messages. Using Facebook, students could share and read other people’s questions, allowing for an open discussion and furthermore it can result in self-help.
Another reason companies don’t allow social networking is information sharing, where employers are afraid that employees would divulge company secrets. This reason, in my opinion is ridiculous, as anybody can see who divulged that information, and the employee would take the risk of being quickly unemployed. Would anyone risk their job over a post, I highly doubt it. Executives could follow the messages and see if inappropriate materials are posted and if there are, then they could simply erase them. Implementing a “Internet Use Policy” could resolve and educate employees on what is acceptable and what is not. A simple yet effective solution to this problem.
Many university professors are already using Facebook to give out homework and discuss class materials. This facilitates the students’ ease of information sharing. Email is one dimensional meaning that it’s a one way communication between the receiver and sender. Many times, a question may be asked several times, which ultimately consumes the professors’ time obliging him/her to respond with short and sometimes unhelpful messages. Using Facebook, students could share and read other people’s questions, allowing for an open discussion and furthermore it can result in self-help.
Another reason companies don’t allow social networking is information sharing, where employers are afraid that employees would divulge company secrets. This reason, in my opinion is ridiculous, as anybody can see who divulged that information, and the employee would take the risk of being quickly unemployed. Would anyone risk their job over a post, I highly doubt it. Executives could follow the messages and see if inappropriate materials are posted and if there are, then they could simply erase them. Implementing a “Internet Use Policy” could resolve and educate employees on what is acceptable and what is not. A simple yet effective solution to this problem.
3 comments:
Based on what you wrote: "Many university professors are already using Facebook to give out homework and discuss class materials." Sound like an amazing idea and I wish that Ryerson professors would actually use that. A perfect class to use that method would be no other than ITM350. It would have been pretty cool and maybe professor Tom S. will use it next semester.
Using facebook as a tool for posting assignments and discussion is a very good way to get intact with students. But what we have right now like blackboard or webct serves the same purpose but in a more professional manner because it's strictly usage for schools. I think the discussion boards on blackboard is another tool for social networking because it gathers all the opinions of students in the registered class to discuss topics related to that specific class and no other students can view the information given.
Unfortunately there are still a lot of people out there who do not know what is or is not approporiate to be posted on a site like Facebook. Even though someone could quickly become unemployed if they post something that they should not, there are still some people out there who would post such information. Also what if you have an emoloyee that is upset at something? You may not know that this employee has a grudge...then what happens?
Just some thoughts.
---james---
Post a Comment