“Social media: a boon or bane in knowledge sharing”
The impetus of social media is no longer avoidable. The important social media platforms like Facebook, You-Tube and even Linked-In have become the major source of exchange of information in the world. The social platforms, on one hand has become an important tool for personal relationships, as well as making commentary and opine on any and every relevant and current issues. These social media sites also facilitate collaboration. The companies now-a-days are not only dedicated towards making th public knowledgeable about the new products as well as services. They need to implement strategies like active knowledge sharing. However, in spite of the fact that social media is becoming a global utility tool, the management level employees of many organisations are still not convinced of its utility. Many organisations did not even allows the employees to use the social media since they consider that social media can corrupt them and they would misuse the social media and export valuable information. This article emphasises on the various strategies and pathways that the social media uses to ensure professional development of the people. In Hungary and many other countries, it has been evident that the upper management of both, profit and non-profit companies have emphasised on deferring the employees to use social media. On using these platforms they are penalised.
At this moment there is a factor of generation gap and the conventional profiting model that is pervading the managers from taking up social media. In this context, this article provides various recommendations regarding what can be done to motivate the employees so that they realise the importance of social media.
After reviewing the article, I have learnt that social media has revolutionized the world. As a matter of specification, social media has upgraded unity and collaboration between individuals (Gaál et al., 2015). I feel elated to point out that social media has added an innovative touch in the products and services, bringing radical transformation in the business dynamics. The most important thing, which I have learnt is the role played by social media in terms of knowledge sharing. I upgraded my knowledge on the fact that sharing the information on social media enables the managers to engage with large number of employees.
One of the other facts, which I can highlight, is that training the employees on the utilization of social media tools results in effective knowledge sharing. Here, I can point out the fears of the managers regarding the risks of hacking. I think this approach of the managers projects their consciousness towards the wellbeing of the employees.
Qualitative research has enlivened my experience and knowledge about the usage of social media for reducing the knowledge gaps. Through the reference of Hungarian organizations, I have learnt that they hesitate towards the use of social media. However, I also came to know that support from the managers results in high involvement of the employees in the social media services. This approach of the managers is highly beneficial for the employees in terms of upgrading their preconceived technical skills, expertise and knowledge (Gaál et al., 2015).
I feel immensely to share the development of my notions regarding the widespread use of internet. Within this, scholarly review has helped me a lot. Through integrated knowledge management cycle, I came to know the dynamics of knowledge sharing. Delving deeper into the aspect, I learnt about the different factors, which influences the aspect of knowledge sharing. Among the factors, I can relate the factor of “informal” with the usage of social media. This is because of the social networks, which enhances the stability in the relationship between the employees and the managers (Gaál et al., 2015). Therefore, I can say that this factor bears correlation with the second generation of knowledge sharing.
I have learned about the different social media technologies, which improves the communication process. I can cite the examples of blogs, YouTube, Slideshare and Skype. I have gained an insight into the aspects Wikipedia and GoogleDocs, which proves beneficial for the managers in sharing essential business information with the employees. Sites like Facebook and LinkedIn proves the opportunities to share informal thoughts, ideas and feelings with the colleagues. The other uses of social media are the Google Maps, which helps the individuals to share their location with their friends (Gaál et al., 2015).
I can relate the aspect of knowledge sharing with the purpose of communicative collaboration, as it helps the employees in exposing collective output. Along with this, it also improves the communication with the brands and their neighbours in the distant countries. The process of data collection through emails is also an advanced use of the social media. I am concerned about the instance of hacking, which compels the managers to refrain from the use of social media. However, I can point out that installation of privacy cookies would help the managers to secure the private and confidential information. Along with this, the managers need to organize technology training programs for the employees. Practical assessments would enhance the awareness of the employees regarding the use of social media. Post training tests can assure the managers about the capability of the employees regarding effective and judicious use of social media.
I feel that group discussions and sessions through online means can provide practical example for the employees. These sessions would clarify their doubts regarding usage of social media. The managers need to incorporate risk assessment exercise frequently for assessing the intensity of the risk levels. This activity would help in ensuring the wellbeing of the employees.
In terms of the widespread benefits and applications of social media, I can say that it is a boon. Proper usage would add further advancement into the lives of the people. Improper usage of the social media would turn it into a bane, aggravating the complexities of manual labour. I feel that if the managers track the activities of the employees on social media, they would be able to make estimates about the progress. Eagerness and willingness would be a reasoned action towards averting the instances of hacking, malfunctions among others.
According to me, Knowledge sharing through social media would mitigate the knowledge gaps within the employees. This reduction would enhance the professionalism of the employees.
References
Gaál, Z., Szabó, L., Obermayer-Kovács, N. and Csepregi, A., (2015). Exploring the role of social media in knowledge sharing. Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, 13(3), pp 185-196
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