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Introduction
A network can help provide fresh viewpoints and ideas to aid a job’s functioning. A vital feature of networking is sharing knowledge-related issues, experiences, and ambitions since it enables one to get new insights that might not be otherwise considered. Pal et al. (2018) define a social network as a structured collection of relationships involving two or more persons. This paper aims at analyzing the effects of a social network as a key element of an organization, its benefits, downfalls, and effects on relationships.
Application of LinkedIn or Facebook by Employers
Facebook and LinkedIn are platforms that offer an excellent method to keep up with current events and share information with others in like areas. Unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn mostly targets professionals and provides a mutually beneficial relationship between individuals and organizations. Managers in adopting the P-O-L-C framework could use the help of such tools to acquire the readily available vast information and access to experts. This can lead to better decision-making as managers can easily access up-to-date information, which aids in making timely decisions. Employees, on the other hand, can use the platforms to create strong social networks and access information.
McCarthy et al. (2018) Argue that employees tend to be the image of an organization and that social media usage should be controlled by both the employers and employees. This is just to guarantee that all parties maintain a professional demeanor in the online sphere. An employer would not like an employee to leave work and spread negative information about the organization to their friends on social media. Whatever picture employees paint to the public often reflects the overall organization’s image. In light of this, they argue that employees need to be monitored so that they do not end up posting destructive information.
Arguments against monitoring of employees regarding that, the notion of firms monitoring their employees’ internet tasks to guarantee that they do not engage in undesirable or unlawful behavior do not hold. Additionally, the cost that accompanies online employee monitoring may not be worth the expense it would take for businesses to implement it. Organizations may make a significant statement by allowing employees to live their private lives with no interference. This statement could imply that they accept them for who they are, value their professional contributions to the firm, and want them to be happy and content both inside and outside the office. This, in turn, would increase employee loyalty and productivity, making such businesses more successful.
Comparing Online Networking and In-person Networking
In-person networking involves physically meeting people to create connections, while online networking refers to the use of online platforms to connect with people (Woodruff et al., 2018). In the digital era, people and organizations are shifting more towards online networking due to increased innovative software that has facilitated online meetings. The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic also fuelled this rise, especially in 2020 and 2021, due to travel and group meetings restrictions (Naeem, 2020).
In my experience, online networking has helped me form connections to a diverse set of people from the comfort of my home. Online networking is often more efficient than in-person meet-ups as users can acquire even a hundred connections online in a very short period, which would take much more time if it was in-person. Internet networking is growing in popularity but, in-person networking remains essential and valuable, and it should not be disregarded. Although internet networking allows you to network on a much broader range, connecting in person allows one to form deeper and more personal contacts. Also, it is harder to portray one’s true self over the internet, and it is far easier to conceal certain feelings. After meeting someone face to face, one is much more likely to recall the encounter as one can remember specifics about the individual, their demeanor, and your feelings toward them.
The Benefits and Downfalls of Social Networking
Social networking is a double-edged sword as it provides both advantages and disadvantages (Feng et al., 2018). In social networking, job candidates can access employment opportunities and evaluate potential employers based on the reviews presented on platforms like LinkedIn. Employers, on the other hand, can advertise positions to a wider range of audiences and increase their chances of getting a qualified candidate. Conversely, social networking is not geographically restricted as connections can be established regardless of physical borders. Efficiency in communication can also be achieved through social networking as costs associated with traveling are eliminated. Platforms like LinkedIn also offer expert assistance and innovative tools to help better position oneself in a job market as they offer advice such as Expert Resume writing.
Social networking, however, presents issues such as threats to the privacy of information. Individuals and organizations are prone to hackers who steal their information and use it for malicious intent. Social networks suffer from a lack of a personal connection that comes with in-person networking. Also, people who are overly reliant on social media may lose touch with reality, and this could lead to poor social relations or even people getting cut off from society.
Importance of Indirect Ties
In social networking, people not only interact with people they know but also get to meet new people and form new connections. Humans cannot exist alone; rather, they need to interact with others to survive (Barrett et al., 2018). Platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn not only provide users with a list of their direct ties but also show mutual contacts of their direct ties. This way, one can get a job through their immediate connections. Also, since networking platforms offer a wide range of information, it is possible to see a job posting that may suit your contacts and recommend them for it. This is great power in considering the value of indirect ties.
The Scope of My Brand
Recently, I started a line of branded T-shirts that aim at communicating hopeful messages to the public, necessary to encourage people during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Through Facebook, I managed to create an online marketing group for the branded T-shirts and met new clients who were interested in the product. This helped me develop a wider range of audiences, and although it is still a work-in-progress, I can already appreciate the power possessed by the use of such networking platforms.
Conclusion
Employers should not monitor their employees’ online activities because it infringes on their privacy rights. Having to monitor employees could also require monetary and time resources, which could cost the organization more resources than they are ready to spend. Instead, organizations should create policies that spell out what is and is not appropriate behavior, as well as whether or not the organization will regulate social media access and usage at work. This involves making it clear to the staff how the policies protect the entire workforce from potentially harmful behavior.
Social networking helps in developing and maintaining human ties by providing efficient means of communication. Both online and in-person networking has benefits that cannot be overstated. Conversely, connecting with individuals on social media then meeting them in person to create a deeper relationship is one of the greatest techniques that should be adopted. This allows people to take advantage of the best of both worlds, rather than having to choose between the two.
References
Atzil, S., Gao, W., Fradkin, I., & Barrett, L. F. (2018). Growing a social brain. Nature Human Behaviour, 2(9), 624-636. Web.
Baccarella, C. V., Wagner, T. F., Kietzmann, J. H., & McCarthy, I. P. (2018). Social media? It’s serious! Understanding the dark side of social media. European Management Journal, 36(4), 431-438. Web.
Das, K., Samanta, S., & Pal, M. (2018). Study on centrality measures in social networks: a survey. Social Network Analysis and Mining, 8(1), 1-11.
Naeem, M. (2020). The role of social media to generate social proof as an engaged society for stockpiling behavior of customers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal. Web.
Yang, Z., Huang, Z., Wang, F., & Feng, C. (2018). The double-edged sword of networking: Complementary and substitutive effects of networking capability in China. Industrial Marketing Management, 68, 145-155. Web.
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