Social Media Reflection Paper

In today’s society, it is crucial for employees to understand the significance in the use of social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook. This subject will discuss the primary reasons companies allow the usage of social networking sites in the workplace. It will also explain the positive impact social media usage has in the workplace, such as allowing communication to a broader audience. In addition to the positive usage, this topic will also explore the negative implications usage can cause. Because social media is still relatively new, there are not many laws establishing the proper guidelines for these sites in the workplace. Scholarly articles such as the ‘Workplace impact of social networking” examine the effects of not establishing said policies, an error which results in an unhealthy work environment. Ultimately, employees can positively influence the workplace by using social media if they have the proper guidelines to follow.

A growing hot topic, and cause for concern is the increasing use of social media in the workplace. The landscape for communication has changed, and the line between personal and professional communications has been blurred. How will your employer manage the risks associated with the use of social media and at the same time, gain the benefits that this media form provides? While many employers were initially concerned that employees would use company time and equipment for socializing with friends, they are quickly learning that many social networks can also be used directly for work purposes.

People from almost all age groups, especially the teenagers and adults prefer to socialize through various social media websites for networking and this trend has been increased since the last decade with a wider internet utility. Though the social media websites are not less than any golden opportunity for online marketing in business, however, many cases have been reported for the job dismissals due to the controversial personal posts to the social media by the employees. The posts that have been done to the social media websites can be in the form of personal messages, photos, video clips, audio recordings, and comments on other’s posts. Hollifield, the Winter Part Employment Attorney

These employees aired their frustrations on social media about the manager. The decision rendered in this matter was that Social media comments are protected concerted activity according to Section 7of National Labor Relations Act. Furthermore, because their postings were a continuation of the employees’ efforts to address concerns.

In the article that I have read it states over the years they have been advising their company that the punishment of the employees will be on social media it has developed an uncertain professional business. The National Labor Relations Boards has made the position that the worker’s comment on the social media is very often protected concerted activity under the National Labor Relations Act even after the verbal used is unsuitable or

The NLRB has made findings regarding the use of employee posts on Social Media sites to discipline or terminate those employees. Typically these cases occur when an employee posts “negative” information about their current employer or boss. Sometimes these are “public” and other times the employer uses “spies” or “fake friending” to see the Facebook page of the employee.

NLRB found a way to reprimand or even fire employees based on social media posts. These can occur when an employee decides to post inaccurate or negative information about the person in charge or boss. These comments are usually public, or the employer will use a fake account to view the employees social media page. In 2010 a California Contractors worksite terminated four workers for posting comments on social media in regards to hazardous working conditions. The blog was posted in 2010 showing four employees commenting and exchanging pictures. The employees were expressing their concerns with social media how it was to work for this company. Three weeks later the four employees were fired. Their work place conditions were horrible. The four employees were not properly trained with the hazardous material they worked with but they were told to state at the worksite they were trained and certified to work with them. NLRB determined the blog was protected because the employees stated concerns about safety, (Protected Concerted Activity). A complaint was issued for the case to appear in court. The second day of court the company settled with the employees.

C: Therefore, taking disciplinary action on an employee for their personal content posted on social media which follows company policy is wrong as well as not being notified corrective action is being taken because of social media postings.

Employees need to know and adhere to the [Company’s Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, and other company policies] when using social media in reference to [Company

The purpose of this literary review is to enlighten my viewers of the importance of the ethical idea of companies crossing the lines of business with your personal life, when involving social media accounts. Most of my research has operated from the ATU library using the find it tool. Furthermost, the researched information use was from peer-reviewed research journal. I will discuss includes social media cons in the work environment, if it is ethical to get fired over a post, and laws that protect both parties. Social media includes an assortment of electronic communications—most commonly networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, Pinterest, Instagram, and the likes thereof. Social media also covers all forms of blogs, including Twitter (a micro-blog), wikis, online journals, diaries, personal newsletters, and World of Warfare and YouTube also are included under the umbrella term of social media (Lieber 2011).

This document outlines my office policies related to use of Social Media. Please read it to understand

Social media is capable of connecting a brand with its consumers and discover how they are being perceived, it also has the power to change perceptions and identify the key people within the business network. The unique feature of social media is that it can provide corporations and businesses solutions developed through operating with consumers and stakeholders. Basically, social media serves as a visible connection to one’s corporation and its stakeholders, consumers, suppliers, etc, who each have a defined role within the system to filter and regulate information. As mentioned earlier, the influence of social media is spreading in a proliferative pace that has resulted to an essential transformation in society, technology and business customs.

Understanding the impact social media has had on the business world is particularly important for the younger generation, those teenagers and twenty-somethings who are most likely to post something that may come back to haunt them in years to come. As college students, we must realize that our future can be made or broken by something we consider trivial. For all those concerned with their professional reputation, responsible use of all social media is imperative. In the opinions

Social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook have created a new ethical dilemma for many businesses. Corporations, small businesses, and even universities are struggling create policies to manage their employees social networking behaviors. Social networking access, particularly for recruiters, can provide personal information about potential employees, which would otherwise not be available. A business must follow statutes and guidelines when disclosing information to the public. Individuals on social networking sites have no such constraints. Employees can and do make comments about their employers online. Employers can and do watch what employees post online. Any individual can send or post potentially damaging information

In the past few years, social media has become a powerful influence as a new marketing tool. It is still relatively new, but it continues to be a part of marketing strategy for various industries. According to the article "Integrating Social Media into the Workplace: A Study of Shifting Technology Use Repertoires." By Walden, Justin, this study demonstrates that social media is used routinely, employees are distracted from tasks and threatens of personal privacy. The learning curve is still pretty high for most companies. Knowledge by professionals is through trial and error as social media marketing evolves more over time. There are many challenges businesses are faced with everyday plus managing the use of social media. It can be overwhelming and frustrating for companies understand this confusing network of navigating social media in the workplace.