Social Networking - Where is the Business Value?

One of the big issues facing many businesses is that of implementing social networking for business purposes. Just where does it fit in? Will it really level the hierarchies in the organization? Will it tear down the silos? Will it encourage collaboration? Or will it just chew up time and money?

These are some of the questions business leaders are facing. there is a recognition that companies should be implementing social networking in some fashion, at least to the extent of developing a policy.

Software developers like salesforce.com are jumping into the ring, based on the idea that companies may not want to simply adopt Facebook and Twitter, but employ a look-alike that has been built specifically for business. Some are looking at the idea of using social networking for enterprise wide collaboration, reaching across the silos to exchange information and ideas. Some have experienced some success with this concept. Others are concerned about having social networking available all the time, thinking that it would be a drag on productivity. At the same time, there is a recognition that some people, especially the younger ones, like social networking styles of communication including texting, and much prefer it over email. This would seem to be a very legitimate need that should be addressed.

There is a range of issues, potentially important, and gaining in urgency as younger people enter the workforce.

For an interesting and insightful article on this issue, check this link.