Managers must enforce social networking policies

It is down to permanent and interim managers working for a company to enforce its social networking policies within their own teams.

That's the opinion of public communications specialist, Andy Jaeger, who spoke to HRMagazine.co.uk about writing and implementing a social networking policy.

He also claimed that in order for it to be effective, it needs to be fully utilised. Jaeger continued: "Ensure that your managers and those responsible for enforcing it understand and apply it consistently."

The expert went on to say that policies "should not include [a] blanket bans on...joining or using social networking sites. Even if such a ban could be imposed on workplace computer networks, personal computers and mobile devices offer easy access."

Managers should recognise that blanket bans only prove "counter-productive" and do not achieve the key objective of implementing social networking policies - promoting sensible use of these websites.

In fact, fellow industry expert, Elizabeth Lupfer, acknowledged that it's not only the company a social networking policy should protect.

She argued on Thesocialworkplace.com that: "A good social media policy protects both the employee and the company."

Jaeger shared this view; as he added that he would advise workers firstly on how to keep themselves safe online and secondly how to do so whilst acting within a company's code of conduct.

Comments

Elizabeth Lupfer on 21 November 2011 23:10:37

Thank you so much for your reference to The Social Workplace. If you don't mind, I would like to include the link to the post you reference for your readers' convenience. Best, Elizabeth

http://www.thesocialworkplace.com/2011/06/29/singled-out-the-risks-of-using-social-feedback-in-performance-management/