Governance of Social Media: Why It's Important

I think governing use of social media is important. Employees should feel confident in how to engage on social media in a way that reflects the company in the way the company wants to be reflected. For PR practitioners, they should also feel confident that their company’s brand is being represented in the right way. Some negative side effects of employees conduct on social media is that their words and actions can be viewed as the company’s words and actions. This can lead to negative publicity or legal issues if an employee is promising something or acting aggressively to someone in the name of the company.

With a plan, this will give clear cut guidelines of what is appropriate in the workplace. This plan ensures that when social media and the workplace collide it is in an appropriate way that reflects well on the company and allows all employees to feel confident in representing the company’s brand. As far as using social media during work hours. I think employees should be allowed when they are on a break or lunch to use social media or when it is work related, however not personal social media for fun. That can become a distraction from getting work done. Of course, with fields like marketing and public relations its necessary to use social media for the company so obviously in those instances it is allowed because its related to the company.

I think social media governance policies are empowering to employees. It alleviates the stress of having to think through difficult decisions on social media. It ensures that employees will also not accidentally cause problems on social media for the company, which could put strain on that employee’s job and future with the company. Overall, having a social media governance plan is a smart idea for any company that wants to ensure their presence online stays within company guidelines.

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