Solutions for Social Media-related Problems Essay Example

Corporate social accounts should tread with care since they risk being a subject of inappropriate comments that could result to tarnishing of a company’s overall reputation as well as possibly resulting to unintended revelation of confidential information. There is also the risk of employees talking inappropriately about a company within the private accounts that identify them with a given organisation. To curb this problem Peltier(2014, pg.2), calls for provision of common sense guidelines that includes; establishing a company’s presence online and verifying the corporate social accounts in order to indicate its authenticity. An organisation is also called to establish a social media policy with pre-written templates provided to employees to cushion them against possible improper communication. It is also important to ensure that regular monitoring process takes place so that possible underlying issues are addressed in a more timely fashion. Thus, for purposes of ensuring that employees remain alert on matters related to use of corporate social accounts, them they should be trained on compliance as a way of supporting corporate social policies.

According to a survey conducted, Gesenhues(2013,pg.1) notes that the social media risks that results to possible organisational fall include; damage to brand reputation, disclosure of proprietary and confidential information, corporate identity theft as well as legal and regulatory violations. To curb these issues, it is important that an organisation employ an effective social medial risk assessment plan in place; conduct rigorous social media training for staff and, also formulate a social media policy to guide the company on how to conduct its activities online.

Kaupins and Park(2010, pg. 121) argues that despite their being numerous advantages that arise from the use of social media, companies nowadays are exposed to numerous legal and ethical risks of corporate-based social networking. It is noted that the social networking is a subject to a great deal of possible legal issues that are attributed to at-will employment, discrimination, privacy, fair credit reporting, labour-related relations, defamation and unauthorised access to confidential information (Kaupins & Park 2010, 122-135). Some of the ethical issues that relate to corporate social networking extends to questionable accuracy and relevancy of information; immediate loss of corporate secrets as well as inefficient levels of productivity amongst employees (Kaupins & Park 2010, 135). It has been established that most of the organisations presently focus on social networking for purposes of accomplishing a great deal of objectives and goals, however; they fail to formulate and implement necessary policies needed for the purpose of protecting themselves from a myriad set of risks involved. To curtail these issues, it is encouraged that organisation should focus on adopting a set of policies that do not possibly limit whatever that can be posted on both corporate social and private accounts as well as play a great role in controlling the manner for which information accessed from social networks can be utilised and disseminated for that matter (Kaupins & Park 2010, 136-139). Certainly, there is also a need for corporate social accounts to be effectively monitored in order to make sure that job-relatedness and restricts improper set of communications that could involve financial, confidential, and personal challenges. In fact, there is a need to develop and effect a clear set of disciplinary actions on any improper use of social media networking by the existing employees at all times.

Tune and Degner (2009) notes that some of the courts have over a long period now been able to perceive the growth of the internet in open-mindedness and enthusiasm. It is argued that the internet provides a platform for conducting free speech, which further encourages people to focus on the message as opposed to the wealth or even appearance of the speaker. In the contrary, however, the same courts have exercised suspicion over the platform as well as anything relating to it. It has been established that the law has, many a times, lagged behind aspects related to technology so that it is agreed that the growth of the internet has resulted to such complex legal issues that relate to employment, The First Amendment, privacy rights, attorney ethics as well as establishing whether or not blogger are journalists or not (Tune & Degner 2009, pg.1). To curb the issues related to the blogs and social networking profiles, it is encouraged that these platforms make a clear and concise disclaimer so that it is understood that all information provided does not focus on developing an attorney –client relationship.

Elefant (2011, pg. 11-13) argues that the use of social media exposes companies to possible legal issues while regulated organisations are subjected to even more stringent rules. It is noted that a failure by an organisation to consider adopting regulatory stipulations in the course of formulating effective social media strategies, which could result to exposure to utilities to liability, possible regulatory penalties as well as potential lost revenues in the event that the costs of social media campaigns are not included in rates. Some of the most notable legal issues arise from reliance and biased use of social media profiles in hiring decisions; unwarranted genetic information searches; employee private-related issues as well as intellectual property-related issues. To end these pertinent issues, it is ascertained that an organisation should engage in best practices and adoption of efficient social media policies as opposed to banning use of the platform by employees. These policies could include; identifying the distinction between official employee use and other uses of the platform; review of terms of service as well as engaging a regular monitoring and recordkeeping of these challenges for future references.

In conclusion, it can be seen that the most viable way of ensuring efficient and effective use of corporate social accounts is through adoption of social media policies and strategies to guide employees on official use of the platform. It has also been noted that blogger should make disclaimers to ascertain on the attorney-client relationship in the courts. Other solutions provided include; conducting staff training on social media use as well as engaging in regular monitoring of the platform in order to respond to challenges in a timely fashion.

References

Elefant, C. (2011). The Power of Social Medial: Legal Issues & Best Practices for Utilities Engaging Social Media, Energy Law Journal, 32(1), 1-56.

Gesenhues, A. (2013). Survey: 71% Of Companies Concerned Over Social Media Risks, But Only 36% Provide Employee Training.

Kaupins, G & Park, S. (2010). Legal and Ethical challenges of Corporate Social Networking, Journal of Communications Research, 2(2/3), 119-145

Peltier, J. (2014). ‘You Tweeted What?! Common Sense Guidelines to Drive Effective Social Media Compliance Training for Employees’. Compliance & Risk, Employee Engagement, GRC Best Practices, Training & Communication

Tune, C & Degner, M. (2009). ‘Blogging and Social Networking Current Legal Issues, the Computer & Internet Lawyer, 26(11), 1-9