Social networking is rapidly expanding and has become exceedingly popular over the past decade. The introduction of the Web 2.0 caused a revolution in social networking, with the use of social networking sites (SNSs) becoming an everyday practice in today’s Western society. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have prompted debates regarding the consequences these sites have for their users and whether these consequences are positive or negative (Chan & Saqib, 2015). Social networks are defined as member-based websites and applications that allow users to communicate with others or find others who share similar interests to their own (lecture 2). The popularity of these sites stems from their ease of use and the way they
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Another advantage of social networking is demonstrated within companies and workplaces that use SNSs to grow and expand their business. A study examining the impact of social networking and employee organisational performance and productivity was conducted at ‘Econet Wireless’ in Zimbabwe. In the study, various surveys and questionnaires were given to a sample of 140 randomly selected employees. The research showed that social networking increased levels of employee productivity, especially between workers who showed a common interest or goal, as they were able to communicate and collaborate more efficiently. The study also showed that 64 percent of employees believed online social networks can held build the brand, while 32% stated that SNSs fosters collaboration amongst workers and another 4 percent believed the use of social media can help to asses candidates (Kandiero, Mpanwa, & Jagero, 2014), (Refer to appendix 2). Correspondingly, a study conducted by Issa, Isaias, and Vijayarajan (2014) assessed the risks and opportunities of SNSs in Australia and Portugal workplace environments. The study signified a number of positive outcomes SNS usage can have on businesses such as reducing the communication gap between employee’s, customers and stakeholders as well as providing a real-time environment for collaboration, and enhancing employee knowledge. However, frequent SNS usage was also linked to legal issues, hacking of private networks and information, virus attacks and identity theft. Also associated with negative social networking use was a company’s loss of reputation made unintentionally or intentionally by employees who may have posted comments that were unfavourable towards the brand or that leaked information. Therefore, social networking in the workplace can provide both disadvantages
Another advantage of social networking is demonstrated within companies and workplaces that use SNSs to grow and expand their business. A study examining the impact of social networking and employee organisational performance and productivity was conducted at ‘Econet Wireless’ in Zimbabwe. In the study, various surveys and questionnaires were given to a sample of 140 randomly selected employees. The research showed that social networking increased levels of employee productivity, especially between workers who showed a common interest or goal, as they were able to communicate and collaborate more efficiently. The study also showed that 64 percent of employees believed online social networks can held build the brand, while 32% stated that SNSs fosters collaboration amongst workers and another 4 percent believed the use of social media can help to asses candidates (Kandiero, Mpanwa, & Jagero, 2014), (Refer to appendix 2). Correspondingly, a study conducted by Issa, Isaias, and Vijayarajan (2014) assessed the risks and opportunities of SNSs in Australia and Portugal workplace environments. The study signified a number of positive outcomes SNS usage can have on businesses such as reducing the communication gap between employee’s, customers and stakeholders as well as providing a real-time environment for collaboration, and enhancing employee knowledge. However, frequent SNS usage was also linked to legal issues, hacking of private networks and information, virus attacks and identity theft. Also associated with negative social networking use was a company’s loss of reputation made unintentionally or intentionally by employees who may have posted comments that were unfavourable towards the brand or that leaked information. Therefore, social networking in the workplace can provide both disadvantages