We often think of social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace as a method to keep in touch with friends, share photos and develop relationships. However, this article takes a slightly different approach to social sites. According to the article, social networks are going corporate in order to enhance the communication among works and increase their productivity.
As I was reading this article, I was thinking back to our most recent class discussion on the distinctions between a group, community and social network. Most of our class, including myself, agreed that social networks generally are used for self-gain and they can be somewhat vague. However, after reading the article, it appears that social networks are evolving beyond self-gain into an effective communication method to combat the unstable economy.
It is important to note that these social networking sites are not your traditional Facebook and Myspace. While they carry the same concept, their specifics are very different. Most of the corporate social networks are private for employee use only and they have been proven to reduce the amount of unnecessary material generally associated with e-mail. Another major advantage is the wealth of information that is spread quickly on an international level improving business operations for both companies and consumers. Among the noticeable improvements is worker productivity because workers can ask company related questions and develop a unique corporate culture.
As I re-read the article, several of the characteristics of these sites are very similar to the list of attributes we compiled in our class discussion about online communities. In our class discussion, we listed the important aspects of a community including: regularity among multiple members, discussions, shared/directed information, shared interest and expanded knowledge. Many of the preceding terms are also used when describing corporate social networks. During our online class unit, we read a literature review, which stated the reason why most people choose to join a virtual community is to access information (Furlong, 1989; S.G. Jones, 1995; Wellman et al., 1996). Information exchange is also one of the foremost reasons companies are shifting to social networks, displaying another important similarity.
As corporate social sites are becoming more common and effective, I believe we will see an evolution from social networks into online communities. Online communities will allow companies to develop international connections and disseminate information efficiently.
As I was reading this article, I was thinking back to our most recent class discussion on the distinctions between a group, community and social network. Most of our class, including myself, agreed that social networks generally are used for self-gain and they can be somewhat vague. However, after reading the article, it appears that social networks are evolving beyond self-gain into an effective communication method to combat the unstable economy.
It is important to note that these social networking sites are not your traditional Facebook and Myspace. While they carry the same concept, their specifics are very different. Most of the corporate social networks are private for employee use only and they have been proven to reduce the amount of unnecessary material generally associated with e-mail. Another major advantage is the wealth of information that is spread quickly on an international level improving business operations for both companies and consumers. Among the noticeable improvements is worker productivity because workers can ask company related questions and develop a unique corporate culture.
As I re-read the article, several of the characteristics of these sites are very similar to the list of attributes we compiled in our class discussion about online communities. In our class discussion, we listed the important aspects of a community including: regularity among multiple members, discussions, shared/directed information, shared interest and expanded knowledge. Many of the preceding terms are also used when describing corporate social networks. During our online class unit, we read a literature review, which stated the reason why most people choose to join a virtual community is to access information (Furlong, 1989; S.G. Jones, 1995; Wellman et al., 1996). Information exchange is also one of the foremost reasons companies are shifting to social networks, displaying another important similarity.
As corporate social sites are becoming more common and effective, I believe we will see an evolution from social networks into online communities. Online communities will allow companies to develop international connections and disseminate information efficiently.
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