Social networking sites in the workplace: an imperative

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 4-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naveenraj Xavier ◽  
J. Reeves Wesley
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extant Literature

Purpose This paper aims to lay a theoretical foundation favoring the use of social networking sites (SNS) in workplace and its implication on employee stress and well-being. Prescriptive policies are also formulated to control unintended negative consequences. Design/methodology/approach The authors have used an explorative design. Prescriptive data were drawn from extant literature, simple discussions with employees and employers. Discussions were centered on the consequences of SNS. Findings In recent years, SNS usage has skyrocketed and use in the workplace has been controversial. Use of SNS enables employees to communicate and connect not only with coworkers but also with family members and friends, and it also helps to minimize the stress and improve the well-being of employees. However, a comprehensive policy that controls negative consequences should be in place. Originality/value This paper sensitizes readers on the need for permitting SNS usage within a policy-controlled setting in organizations. It also throws light on social support, stress and well-being.

Duality of self-promotion on social networking sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.K.M. Najmul Islam ◽  
Matti Mäntymäki ◽  
Izak Benbasat
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Subjective Vitality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychological Mechanisms ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Level Analysis

PurposeSelf-promotion on social networking sites (SNSs) is a controversial issue as it has been attributed to various positive and negative consequences. To better understand the reasons for the mixed consequences and the nature of self-promotion on SNSs, the purpose of this paper is to theorize and empirically investigate the duality of SNS self-promotion and its underlying socio-psychological mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachBy drawing on the motivational affordance lens and self-determination theory, this study develops a theoretical account of the duality of self-promotion on SNSs. The author places subjective vitality and SNS addiction as the positive and negative consequences of self-promotion. The model was tested using partial least squares technique with data collected from 289 Finnish Facebook users using a survey.FindingsThe results show that self-promotion contributes to both subjective vitality and to SNS addiction. Importantly, exhibitionism attenuates the effect of self-promotion on subjective vitality and amplifies the effect of self-promotion on SNS addiction. The feature-level analysis shows that status updates, adding photos, commenting in others’ posts and profile completeness are the main determinants of self-promotion. Status updates, adding photos and check-ins, in turn, have high exhibitionistic appeal.Originality/valueTo date, the empirical attempts to investigate the duality of SNS use have been rare. In particular, prior research is largely silent in explaining what tilt the outcomes of self-promotion either toward positive or negative direction. The paper fills this theoretical and empirical gap and thus contributes to literature on dualities of SNS use.

Optimizing transparency for users in social networking sites

Info ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 8-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Wauters ◽  
Verónica Donoso ◽  
Eva Lievens
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Visual Design ◽  
Cognitive Differences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This article aims to reflect on possible ways to optimise current ways to deliver information provision to make it more transparent to users. In particular, this article will refer to the benefits (and challenges) of using more user-centred approaches to inform users in a more transparent way. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper we analyse individual, as well as contextual factors (e.g. cognitive differences, time constraints, specific features of social networking sites [SNS] platforms) which may have an impact on the way users deal with Terms of Use, privacy policies and other types of information provision typically made available on SNS platforms. In addition, possible ways of improving current practices in the field are discussed. In particular, the benefits (and challenges) of a user-centred approach have been referred to when it comes to informing users in a way that is more meaningful to them. Finally, it is discussed how user-centred approaches can act as mechanisms to increase transparency in SNS environments and how (alternative) forms of regulation could benefit from such an approach. Findings – The authors believe that it is necessary to start focussing on users/consumers’ needs, expectations and values to develop visualisation tools that can help make law (more) meaningful to users/consumers by giving them a better insight into their rights and obligations and by guiding them in making truly informed decisions regarding their online choices and behaviour. Originality/value – By looking at different techniques such as visual design and the timing of information, the article contributes to the discussion on how people can be made more aware of legal documents and actually read them.

Use of Social Networking Sites by People with Health Issues

2017 ◽  
pp. 40-60
Author(s):  
Tatsuya Imai
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Illness ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
The Impact

Previous studies have found that the use of social networking sites (SNSs) is associated with the user's positive outcomes such as perceived social support and psychological well-being (Ellison, Steinfield, & Lampe, 2007; Nabi, Prestin, & So, 2012). To seek those positive influences, those with health issues such as physical illness or mental illness actively use SNSs (e.g., Shpigelman & Gill, 2014a; Gowen, Deschaine, Gruttadara, & Markey, 2012). The first aim of this chapter is to describe previous studies on the use of SNSs by those with health issues such as mental illnesses, HIV/AIDS, cancer, intellectual disabilities, and diabetes. The second aim is to propose a new direction of research on the use of SNSs by those with health issues: the impact of stigma on communication on SNSs.

The possibilities and perils of academic social networking sites

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann E Williams ◽  
Melissa A. Woodacre
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Academic Social Networks

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: the first aim is theoretical – to review extant literature on academic social networks, while considering current limitations and potential avenues for future research; the second objective is practical – to introduce an illustrative comparison guide that researchers can use to identify and distinguish between the functionalities of popular academic social networking sites (ASNSs), including Academia.edu, Mendeley.com, ResearchGate.net, Zotero.org, and Google Scholar. Design/methodology/approach – The review of research is descriptive and conceptual. Findings – The overarching outcomes of the review suggest that research on academic social networks falls into two primary arenas – promises (i.e. potential benefits to the academic community) and perils (i.e. reservations expressed by scholars). The authors recommend that a greater focus on the unique characteristics and utilities of specific sites and a more robust understanding of scholars’ use preferences and practices is warranted in future and ongoing research. Originality/value – This is the first review of ASNSs to provide comparative descriptions for scholars to utilize when making decisions about adoption, use, and research.

Job insecurity fluctuations and support towards Italian precarious schoolteachers

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-647
Author(s):  
Marianna Giunchi ◽  
Pedro Marques-Quinteiro ◽  
Chiara Ghislieri ◽  
Anne-Marie Vonthron
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Principal ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThe negative consequences of job insecurity on the well-being of individuals are well known. However, the perceptions of job insecurity over time and how some factors such as social support may affect them have received limited attention. This study follows precarious schoolteachers for three weeks before the end of their contract to explore how their perceptions of job insecurity evolve over time.Design/methodology/approachThe participants were 47 precarious schoolteachers who first completed a general questionnaire, then a diary survey on nine occasions over the course of the three weeks. Data was analysed with MPLUS 7.3.FindingsThe results suggest intra-individual differences regarding the way job insecurity was perceived over time. An additional discovery was that support provided by the school principal was negatively related to changes in job insecurity over time.Research limitations/implicationsThe relatively small sample size, which includes only precarious schoolteachers, and the methodology complexity of the diary are limitations of this study.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the subjective nature of the perceptions of job insecurity. It also shows the importance of the school principal's social support towards precarious schoolteachers; therefore, practitioners should propose interventions to enhance the quality of principal–teachers relationships.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by investigating how perceptions of job insecurity evolve over time and the role of social support.

scholarly journals Consequences of cyberbullying behaviour in working life

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 376-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuija Muhonen ◽  
Sandra Jönsson ◽  
Martin Bäckström
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Intention To Quit ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Organisational Climate

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore health- and work-related outcomes of cyberbullying behaviour and the potential mediating role of social organisational climate, social support from colleagues and social support from superiors. Design/methodology/approach Altogether 3,371 respondents participated in a questionnaire study. Findings The results of this study indicate that social organisational climate can have a mediating role in the relationship between cyberbullying behaviour and health, well-being, work engagement and intention to quit. Contrary to earlier face-to-face bullying research, the current study showed that cyberbullying behaviour had stronger indirect than direct relationships to health, well-being, work engagement and intention to quit. Practical implications Communication through digital devices in work life is becoming more prevalent, which in turn increases the risk for cyberbullying behaviour. Organisations need therefore to develop occupational health and safety policies concerning the use of digital communication and social media in order to prevent cyberbullying behaviour and its negative consequences. Originality/value Cyberbullying behaviour among working adults is a relatively unexplored phenomenon and therefore this study makes valuable contribution to the research field.

On the Relationship between Online Social Support and Users' ontinuance Intention

2015 ◽  
pp. 140-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolin Lin ◽  
Dawei Zhang ◽  
Yibai Li
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Continuance Intention ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter discusses the online social support in the context of social networking sites (SNSs). The pervasive adoption of social networking sites has profound influence on society and enables a new way to provide social support. Social support has been considered a key social value that online users can obtain from social networking sites. Research has shown that social support may reduce stress and promote well-being among diverse populations. Despite its significance to society, the online social support in the context of SNSs has been surprisingly under-investigated. Some fundamental questions—such as (1) What are the dimensions of online social support on SNSs? and (2) How does online social support influence other factors such as the users' satisfaction and continuance intention to SNSs?—have not been answered. This chapter attempts to answer those questions. Specifically, this chapter aims to first identify the definitional dimensions of online social support on SNSs through an extensive review of the literature. Second, this chapter uses these dimensions to model online social support and test its effects on other SNS factors: user satisfaction and continuance intention. Eventually, the results support all proposed hypotheses. The theoretical contributions and managerial implications of the results are discussed at the end of this chapter. 1

Role and users’ approach to social networking sites (SNSs): a study of universities of North India

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
K P Singh ◽  
Malkeet Singh Gill
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
North India ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Authentic Data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and assess the awareness and extent of the use of social networking sites (SNSs) by the students and research scholars of universities of North India. Design/methodology/approach – The study is a questionnaire-based survey on the usage of SNSs among the students and research scholars of the universities of North India. The data of the study were collected through questionnaires, which were personally distributed to the identified population, i.e. undergraduate students, postgraduate students and research scholars, by the authors. The survey was based on a sample of 610 questionnaires; of which, 486 questionnaires were received, having a response rate of 79.67 per cent. Findings – The study showed that all the respondents were found to be aware of and making use of such applications in their academic affairs. It was revealed from the study that Facebook is the most popular SNS by all categories of respondents. To determine the purpose of SNSs, it emerged that SNSs are mostly used for entertainment and communication. The study also found that the majority of respondents were aware about the security aspects of SNSs. It signifies that excessive time consumption and fear of misusing personal information were the major hurdles in the way of accessing SNSs. Research limitations/implications – The study covers the students and research scholars of select universities of North India. It also signifies the use of SNSs in their research and academic environment. Originality/value – The paper provides reliable and authentic data. The study is worth, justifiable and enlightens the salient findings on the topic, which will be very useful for researchers in this area.

Using values to segment virtual consumers on social networking sites

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aziz Madi
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Best Worst Scaling ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Although social networking sites (SNS) are providing marketers a lot of information, it is also providing consumers with the ability to present their virtual identities, limiting the benefit of such information. The purpose of this paper is to understand how marketers can segment virtual consumers. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature is first conducted. Followed by a survey method, data from 258 consumers were analyzed using a combination of scales including best-worst scaling. Classes and other demographics, behavioral and psychographic covariates were determined using latent-class analysis. Findings – Findings show there exist three different segments based on values: self-conservers, social entertainers, and achievers. The results show how SNS consumers differ in their motivation to use social media, even when there is similarity in the uses (virtual behaviors) of SNS. Research limitations/implications – Analyzing behavior of virtual consumers can be limited by the fact that they are presenting their virtual identity. Psychographic metrics should be the focus of future research when dealing with online consumers, values and motivations provide a better way as they are more consistent than the virtual behavior. Practical implications – Practitioners should look for more ways to integrate SNS segments with traditional segments, values-segmentation can aid in this. Additionally, practitioners should maximize the information access benefits of SNS by focussing also on underlying motives to certain behaviors on SNS. Originality/value – This research value is derived from the fact that it is the first to perform values-segmentation on SNS. The results show that it is reliable and necessary when segmenting consumers on SNS.

Student opinion on the use of social networking tools by libraries

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 594-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh Kumar Bhatt ◽  
Amit Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Opinion ◽  
Jawaharlal Nehru ◽  
Social Networking Tools

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the students’ opinion of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, regarding the use of social networking sites (SNSs)/tools by library and their expectation from the library through SNSs. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted using a well-designed questionnaire circulated among 200 students studying in JNU for the academic session 2011-2012. Findings – The study explores that most of the students are in favor of using the SNS/tools by the libraries and they expect the services should be provided to them by libraries through SNS/tools as well. Research limitations/implications – The study geographical area was confined to the students of the JNU, New Delhi, regarding their opinion on use of SNS/tools by the library. Originality/value – The paper highlights the student opinion regarding the use of SNS by library and further explores the expectations of students from library through SNS/tool.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document