Topic 4

Is there a better solution?

Initially, social media platforms were created with the idea of providing a place for one to voice their opinions and ideas on the web. However, in today’s world, these platforms are not just purely for one to share their opinions and ideas. Many start to abuse the uses like posting negative comments on the web which affects the reputation of an individual or even a company.

As mentioned by Ebrahim, “The usage of social media has increased at an alarming rate and that has caused a rise of very crucial issues such as cyber bullying.” I’m sure you will know at least one of your friend being a keyboard warrior, but do they know what’s the right ethics and the weightage of words that are used on the web? Many thought that they are free too comment on anything and everything they like and did not realize the consequences can be as bad as losing your job or even being charged in courts.

In order for companies to ensure they are up-to-date with today’s technology, many start to create a profile for their company an allow their customers to review their services/products and also provide their customer the latest update on the on-going promotions. But many have never thought of the negative impact created by just ONE employee that may affect the reputation of the company.

Previously, I mentioned that companies should filter the comments on their employees account dilligently. And usually, this will be done from the management team. However, I start to question if this is workable upon seeing the example of the nsensitive remarks made by Amy Cheong, the assistant director of NTUC provided by Ru Huan. Who will be the one filtering the comments from the management team? What would have been done if these remarks were made by lower-level employees in the company?

Is there a better way to stop these problems faced?

Read my comments on my friends’ post:

DUTY OF CARE.

HEY! Are you a keyboard warrior?

Ehtical Challenge: Intergrity Risk

Image: Source

Social media websites allow everyone to share their ideas and opinions with a wide range of audience. Simple and convenient. As such, many companies are making use of these sites for business purpose as well. It blurred the boudaries between personal and work life and many employees are accessing these personal sites at work. A survey found out that social media is used for personal and work related activities by 95% of employees. (Institure of Business Ethics, 2011)

With such increasing statistics, companies are exposed to even greater ethical challenge for their business.

Intergrity Risk

Reputation of a company can be tarnished with just ONE irresponsible employee who either uses her own account or the company’s account. Take Nestlé as an example:

Image: Source

This particular employee who manages the content on the Facebook Fan Page posted an offensive comment in response to negative remarks by nitizens. This violated the business principle of integrity and their commitment to “avoid any conduct that could damage or risk Nestlé and its reputation.” (Nestlé, 2007) This angered many and affected the reputation of Nestlé greatly (Of course is the negative way)

Apart from using the company’s account, many do post nasty or negative comments of the company on their own personal account. To our dismay, this is much more difficult to control (yes, freedom of speech but please remember, be responsible). This will affect the intergrity and reputation of the business as well.

Any solutions?

Companies should provide guidance to employees on how to address the ethical challenges on social media. This policy should provide guidance in two areas: 1. employees‟ use of social media on behalf of the company, and 2. employees’ personal use of social media. (Institure of Business Ethics, 2011) Employees can be encouraged to apply high privacy settings for personal social media accounts. It should also emphasise on the need for employees to reflect on their responsibility to the company while being on the web. These policy need to be reviewed and communicated to necessary parties regurlary.

Some companies choose to screen the personal accounts of their employees to ensure all content posted are appropriate. However, employees should be informed on such acts and the reason behind it. There should be an agreement between the company and their employees.

Of course, all employees should practise self disciple. Everyone should be a responsible user on the web. Do not post contents that might affect your companies reputation. If found liable, the consequence for you will be very serious.

References:

Institute of Business Ethics, 2011. The Ethical Challenges of Social Media [Online]

Available at: http://www.ibe.org.uk/userassets/briefings/ibe_briefing_22_the_ethical_challenges_of_social_media.pdf

[Accessed 5 December 2014].

Rick, B., 2010. Nestle’s Facebook Page: How a Company Can Really Screw Up Social Media [Online]

Available at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/nestles-facebook-page-how-a-company-can-really-screw-up-social-media/

[Accessed 5 December 2014].