A STUDY OF PR PRACTITIONERS' USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS IN CYPRUS

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (02) ◽  
pp. 1450011 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCOS KOMODROMOS

This study is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The use of social media tools and technologies — such as blogs, social networking, microblogging, podcasts, etc. — is a very important factor for PR practitioners, helping them to improve important organizational processes. The research employs a mixed methodology, with data being analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. A sample of 25 senior PR practitioners was purposively selected from different sectors in Cyprus using a mixed methodology approach. Understanding how PR practitioners use social media tools in organizations in Cyprus can have a positive impact in terms of more effective branding, stronger brand loyalty and improved marketing, including stronger customer dialogue, reduced internal communications costs, ability to mine and analyze customer data more effectively, improved customer service and support, increased customer satisfaction, and better product development (such as social networking). Previous studies describe the implementation of social media in terms of yes/no. This paper is original and innovative in that it explores how PR practitioners use social media in Cyprus (and to what extent), and how this can benefit their organization as a whole.

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6(J)) ◽  
pp. 150-161
Author(s):  
G. Nchabeleng ◽  
CJ. Botha ◽  
CA Bisschoff

Social media can be a useful tool in public relations in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but do NGOs make use of social media in their quest for service delivery in South Africa? Social networking sites, blogging, email, instant messaging, and online journals are some of the technological changes that changed the way interaction between people and how they gather information. Although social media is mainly used for interactive dialogue and social interaction, the private sector soon realised that the web-based technologies (especially Facebook and Twitter) could also be a competitive business tool. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) soon followed suit however at a slower pace than the general communication growth rate of social media in South Africa. This article examines if social networking sites have any impact on public relations practices of NGOs in South Africa – an environment where both customers and employees still struggle to take full advantage of social media. The critical literature findings increase the understanding of the current and future challenges of social media use in public relations at NGOs in South Africa. The study explores the main differences between traditional and social media, how social media is redefining public relations role, and shed some light on defining public relations practices, identify the uses, limitations and benefits of social media by public relations practitioners in NGOs. Recommendations for future communication research are given. Based on the literature, a qualitative research design collected data using semi-structured, individual interviews. The results revealed that social media platforms such as Facebook do have an effect, and even changed the way in which NGOs communicate. The study also revealed that social media certainly has an impact on public relations relationships. This means that it has become crucial that public relations practitioners at NOGs embrace and take advantage of social media, and that they should also invest in proper electronic platforms to reap the benefits of improved communication internally and externally.


2014 ◽  
pp. 992-1012
Author(s):  
Teresa Correa ◽  
Ingrid Bachmann ◽  
Amber W. Hinsley ◽  
Homero Gil de Zúñiga

Research on digital media has mostly paid attention to users' demographics, motivations, and efficacy, but with increasingly popular web tools like social media, it is important to study more stable psychological characteristics such as users' personality traits, as they may significantly affect how people use the Web to communicate and socialize. Relying on the “Big Five Framework” as a theoretical approach, this chapter explores such relationships. Survey data from a national sample of U.S. adults show that more extraverted people are more likely to use social networking sites, instant messaging, and video chats, while those more open to new experiences tend to use social networking sites more frequently. Also, emotional stability is a negative predictor of social networking site use. That is, individuals who are more anxious and unstable tend to rely on these sites. When looking at a specific use of social media–to create political content—emotional stability was a negative predictor, whereas extraversion had a positive impact. These findings confirm the usefulness of combining explorations of personality and digital media usage.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Shamima Ahmed

Social media, originally started as a personal and social networking tool, is now an essential resource in the workplace. The use of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Flickr, LinkedIn, YouTube and other social media applications in the workplace are not only widespread but are increasingly viewed as an essential resource. Employers use social media for recruitment, public relations, fundraising, disseminating information, instantaneous communication with stakeholders, and for many other purposes. Employees, on the other hand, use it for networking, job related activities, communication with colleagues about workplace issues, and often times for non-work related matters. The practical benefits of use of social media in the workplace cannot be overemphasized.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
G. Nchabeleng ◽  
CJ. Botha ◽  
CA Bisschoff

Social media can be a useful tool in public relations in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but do NGOs make use of social media in their quest for service delivery in South Africa? Social networking sites, blogging, email, instant messaging, and online journals are some of the technological changes that changed the way interaction between people and how they gather information. Although social media is mainly used for interactive dialogue and social interaction, the private sector soon realised that the web-based technologies (especially Facebook and Twitter) could also be a competitive business tool. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) soon followed suit however at a slower pace than the general communication growth rate of social media in South Africa. This article examines if social networking sites have any impact on public relations practices of NGOs in South Africa – an environment where both customers and employees still struggle to take full advantage of social media. The critical literature findings increase the understanding of the current and future challenges of social media use in public relations at NGOs in South Africa. The study explores the main differences between traditional and social media, how social media is redefining public relations role, and shed some light on defining public relations practices, identify the uses, limitations and benefits of social media by public relations practitioners in NGOs. Recommendations for future communication research are given. Based on the literature, a qualitative research design collected data using semi-structured, individual interviews. The results revealed that social media platforms such as Facebook do have an effect, and even changed the way in which NGOs communicate. The study also revealed that social media certainly has an impact on public relations relationships. This means that it has become crucial that public relations practitioners at NOGs embrace and take advantage of social media, and that they should also invest in proper electronic platforms to reap the benefits of improved communication internally and externally.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-204
Author(s):  
Terna Ende ◽  
Chebawaza Shekwaga ◽  
Stanley U. Ugboaja ◽  
Chizoba P. Okonkwo

The use of social media tools for public relations practice in Nigerian tertiary institutions has witnessed tremendous revolution in the areas of information dissemination and two-way communication process between tertiary institutions and their publics. This study appraises the use of social media as tools for public relations practice in tertiary institutions with focus on the Federal University of Technology, Minna and Niger State College of Education, Minna. The dialogic theory of public relations was used as theoretical basis for this research work. Survey method of research was adopted with three hundred and ninety seven (397) questionnaire administered to respondents in Niger State, Nigeria. It was found that the Federal University of Technology, Minna has adopted the various social media tools as a channel of communication between the institution and its publics more than Niger State College of Education, Minna. It was also found that both the Federal University of Technology, Minna and Niger State College of Education, Minna mostly used Facebook to communicate with their publics. Therefore, this study recommends the need for public relations practitioners to be well trained on the use of various social media tools for the purpose of information dissemination between their organizations and target audience/publics.


Author(s):  
Karen Mishra ◽  
Aneil K. Mishra ◽  
Khaner Walker

This chapter examines the innovative internal communication practices of Lenovo, a $45 billion Fortune Global 500 technology company. In particular, this study examines how this company uses internal communication to promote collaboration and engagement across dispersed employees' teams. Internal communications (or internal marketing) is generally led by marketing or PR professionals with expertise in human resources, public relations, marketing, social media, and/or employee engagement. One new way that companies are extending internal communication is by extending its use of digital communication. Lenovo has been a leader in the use of social media at work and is now innovating its communications to include a mobile app. This chapter describes how Lenovo has developed both its intranet and its new mobile app and how innovative internal communication can promote engagement and collaboration.


Author(s):  
Teresa Correa ◽  
Ingrid Bachmann ◽  
Amber W. Hinsley ◽  
Homero Gil de Zúñiga

Research on digital media has mostly paid attention to users’ demographics, motivations, and efficacy, but with increasingly popular web tools like social media, it is important to study more stable psychological characteristics such as users’ personality traits, as they may significantly affect how people use the Web to communicate and socialize. Relying on the “Big Five Framework” as a theoretical approach, this chapter explores such relationships. Survey data from a national sample of U.S. adults show that more extraverted people are more likely to use social networking sites, instant messaging, and video chats, while those more open to new experiences tend to use social networking sites more frequently. Also, emotional stability is a negative predictor of social networking site use. That is, individuals who are more anxious and unstable tend to rely on these sites. When looking at a specific use of social media–to create political content—emotional stability was a negative predictor, whereas extraversion had a positive impact. These findings confirm the usefulness of combining explorations of personality and digital media usage.


2018 ◽  
pp. 153-164
Author(s):  
Melissa Barnes

Over the last decade, our society has embraced social networking and web-based and mobile technologies. In an attempt to stay current with social trends, educators have become increasingly interested in how best to harness social media tools to enhance their teaching practices. This paper will explore the use of social media tools, such as Edmodo and Glogster, with 30 Japanese high school exchange students in Sydney, Australia. Given that the classes were homogenous, the teachers' biggest challenge was to create a classroom environment that encouraged students to use English rather than Japanese to communicate with one another. By using social media tools, students were given the opportunity to embrace and explore different technologies while creating a space to communicate with their peers and teachers in English. This article will discuss the types of activities and tasks employed and student and teacher feedback. New technologies continue to emerge and evolve, shaping how our society communicates, works and learns. Educators, in particular, have attempted to harness various aspects of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Given that social networking and web-based and mobile technologies have become an integral part of young people's everyday lives, educators have become increasingly aware of the need to incorporate these social media tools in the learning process. The impetus for the action research presented in this paper was born from a desire to promote English language communication through introducing social media tools, such as Edmodo and Glogster. The aim was to explore how a variety of tasks and activities are employed and received by both students and teachers.


Author(s):  
Amir Manzoor

The use of social media around the globe is increasing at an exponential rate. An increasing number of individuals have become members of one or more social networking sites leading to soaring membership numbers, largely because these sites are free and easy to use. This trend is important for libraries. Being part of the community, libraries need to capitalize the potential of social media for instant and direct communication with their members. The librarians are gradually showing a positive attitude towards social media tools. The objective of this chapter is to review the social media use by libraries around the globe. The chapter also provides specific recommendations for social media use in libraries.


Author(s):  
Melissa Barnes

Over the last decade, our society has embraced social networking and web-based and mobile technologies. In an attempt to stay current with social trends, educators have become increasingly interested in how best to harness social media tools to enhance their teaching practices. This paper will explore the use of social media tools, such as Edmodo and Glogster, with 30 Japanese high school exchange students in Sydney, Australia. Given that the classes were homogenous, the teachers' biggest challenge was to create a classroom environment that encouraged students to use English rather than Japanese to communicate with one another. By using social media tools, students were given the opportunity to embrace and explore different technologies while creating a space to communicate with their peers and teachers in English. This article will discuss the types of activities and tasks employed and student and teacher feedback. New technologies continue to emerge and evolve, shaping how our society communicates, works and learns. Educators, in particular, have attempted to harness various aspects of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Given that social networking and web-based and mobile technologies have become an integral part of young people's everyday lives, educators have become increasingly aware of the need to incorporate these social media tools in the learning process. The impetus for the action research presented in this paper was born from a desire to promote English language communication through introducing social media tools, such as Edmodo and Glogster. The aim was to explore how a variety of tasks and activities are employed and received by both students and teachers.


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