Before any interview, I encourage my students to read the first few paragraphs of a company's social media policy. It provides valuable insights into the company's corporate culture.
For fun, I read through some policies listed on the online database of social media governance and take a stab at their company culture. Let me know if I hit the mark.
State of California Social Media Standard (PDF)
Agencies and departments are encouraged to use Social Media technologies to engage their customers and employees where appropriate. Many state entities, including the Governor’s office, have used Social Media communication with great success, but as with most technologies, there is a measure of risk to address and mitigate...Prior to authorizing and enabling Internet access to Social Media web sites, agency management shall conduct a formal risk assessment of the proposed connections utilizing agency Risk Management processes.
What it really says: Social media is risky...beware of the risk. Assess the risk before you engage with this risk technology.
If you choose to identify yourself as a part of United Way or discuss matters related to United Way on a personal website, social site or blog, many readers will assume you are speaking on behalf of United Way. In order to protect the reputation of United Way Worldwide and the United Way network, your communication must be transparent, ethical and accurate, in accordance with the requirements set forth below. Failure to comply with requirements in conjunction with communications about United Way shall be treated as a violation of organizational policy.
What is really says: It doesn't matter where you post stupid shit. If it falls back on the United Way, you'll be fired. Oh, please sign here....
Cisco
With the rise of new media and next generation communications tools, the way in which Cisco employees can communicate internally and externally continues to evolve. While this creates new opportunities for communication and collaboration, it also creates new responsibilities for Cisco employees. Please be aware that violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Common sense is the best guide if you decide to post information in any way relating to Cisco. ..Because you are legally responsible for your postings, you may be subject to liability if your posts are found defamatory, harassing, or in violation of any other applicable law...You agree that Cisco shall not be liable, under any circumstances, for any errors, omissions, loss or damages claimed or incurred due to any of your Internet postings. What it really says: Social media is owned by lawyers. They own your ass. Do one thing wrong and you're fired.
Coca-Cola
Countless conversations take place online about Coca-Cola every day, and we want our Company’s more than 150,000 associates in more than 200 countries to join those conversations, represent our Company, and share the optimistic and positive spirits of our brands...These Social Media Principles should guide your participation in social media, both personally as well as when you are acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Company. It is critical we always remember who we are –the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands – and what our Company’s role is in the social media community – to inspire moments of optimism and happiness and build our brands...Have fun, but be smart. Use sound judgment and common sense, adhere to the Company’s values, and follow the same Company policies that you follow in the offline world. What it really says: Social media is brand management.
Smithsonian Institution (PDF)
Social media accounts should be used as part of a strategy for supplementing and enhancing content available on Smithsonian websites, reaching and engaging existing and new audiences, and carrying out the Institution’s strategic plan. SI units should consider their mission-related goals, target audiences, staff and other resources, level of user engagement, comment moderation practices, means of measuring success and records management practices before opening and maintaining official Smithsonian social media accounts. What it really says: Social media is part of the overall strategy (impressive!).
 |
| Twitter wasn't around back then but you know it would have melted down on August 9, 1974 - the date Nixon resigned. |
Reading the Social Media Policy for Washington Post reporters is a fascinating insight into the behind-the-scenes of "Woodward and Bernstein":
In regards to breaking stories: If news breaks on social networks, notify your editor immediately. Producers should consult with Universal News Desk and originating editors before posting unverified news on Washington Post accounts...Being attentive to the “real-time” tense when crafting headlines. Present tense indicates breaking information, but what was breaking 20 minutes ago on Twitter might be old news by the time you post a link. What it really says: News is breaking on social media channels...make sure your story is out there.
No comments :
Post a Comment