Making social media join the workforce: Technologies can play a big part if businesses do their homework

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Companies with IT at their heart are inevitably quick out of the blocks when it comes to embracing social media and Iyer et al.'s article paints a convincing picture of a firm who know precisely what they are doing. By contrast, Ainger's piece shows us that for the sector, social media usage is very much work in progress. While some initiatives will doubtless have “legs”, others may fall by the wayside. Koo et al. have produced some highly complex and exhaustive research. An article whose very title is difficult to absorb is not going to make for reading, and the findings are unremarkable but there is some interest in their use of media richness theory in relation to the research.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.

Citation

(2012), "Making social media join the workforce: Technologies can play a big part if businesses do their homework", Strategic Direction, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 20-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541211224076