Social Media Policy ProposalVALJEAN M. LEE

AET/562 SOCIAL MEDIA FOR PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

NOVEMBER 7, 2016

PROFESSOR H. GARTH BEERMAN

Social Media

Social Media is describe as different online communications or tools used to share information.

It’s a platform where one can express ideas, creativity, collaborate, and relate to others with the same interest.

It is a resource for professionals to improve and upgrade their skills, to remain relevant in the industry.

Social Media Policy Guidelines/ Purpose

It’s important for all employees to understand (SM) policy before launching the tools. Participants must be made aware of all expectations of the organization. These guidelines are to be used as a reference for online engagement.

Social Media guidelines are set in place to protect both the employees and the organization from possible misuse. It details the best ways to communicate without exposing confidential information. It’s also a strategic means of implementing a support system within the company’s structure.

Social Media is constantly evolving to improve the workplace cultural environment. Also, to encourage future potential relationships with other businesses. (WSDOT, 2014)

Social Media Policy/ Content

Employees should carefully consider (SM) content being shared because of exposure, while interacting and collaborating with the population at large. Sharing information on social media should be monitored for safety. An organization must implement risk management in order to remain relevant. Social Media is the most popular means of communication today. Employees must be conscience of it’s influences. When communicating/sharing information one should be responsible and professional when posting, remembering that the user is the voice of the company, ready to respond with clarity and conciseness. Always be forthcoming with respect regarding the tone of communication, “politeness.” Never be abusive, offensive, or threating. Approach all postings, comments, opinions with personality and encouragement. Stay within the reigns of the laws and standards governing the organization. Understanding what’s the ethical, labour, privacy, human, relations, and contractual rights. (WSDOT, 2014)

Social Media Policy/Organizational Reputation

In an organization there are boundaries that must not be crossed, such as language that would defame or damage the company and falsifying of information. Ask for assistance from a supervisor/manager immediately if in doubt or miscommunication/error has occurred. Preventions is a key component, employees aren’t at liberty to offer their own opinions or banter at the expense of the reputation of the company, on or offline time as well. Respect copyrights and the privacy of publishing, it’s vital that employees acknowledge disclaimers and disclosures of the organization. (WSDT, 2014)

Social Media Policy/Workplace Accountability & Responsibility

Along with social media comes responsibilities and unpredictability. Proper used of social media applies to all employees of the company, from top to entry level. What’s posted will reflect on everyone involved, positive or negative. If there’s inappropriate communication, disciplinary actions can lead to possible suspension or termination. Unlawful conduct include: harassment, violence, discriminating postings, etc. (Field, J., Chelliah, J., 2012)

Social Media Policy/Responsible Use Within An Organization

An individual employee can be affected by potential social media related issues, but being alert, always remaining mindful that postings should be monitored- one must keep personal communications and work communications separate. Keep online matters professional at all times, even postings made off the work schedule. (Lam, H. 2016)

Social Media/ Enhance the Organization’s Professional Development

Employees gain skills by participating in the organizations training programs, communicating on teams projects, and collaborating with colleagues.

Workshops throughout the year can help employees advance and focus on the best tools to be used in the organization’s departments, while keeping updated on new additions and technologies.

The social media policy procedures has a great impact on professional development, it improves management of internal affairs fairly. (Adopting a social media policy in practice, 2014)

Reference• “Adopting a social media policy

in practice.” (2014). The Veterinary Record, 175(9), 236. doi:http://dx/doi.org/10.1136/vr.g5480

• Field, J., Chelliah, J., “Social-media misuse a ticking-bomb for employees: Robust and procedures needed to reduce the risks,” Human Resource Management International Digest, (2012) Vol. 20 Iss:7, pp. 36-38

• Lam, H.,”Social media dilemmas in the employment context,” Employee Relations, (2016) Vol. 38 Iss: 3, pp. 420-437

• Washington State Department of Transportation (Aug/2014), www.governor.wa.gov>files>documents