Week 2R

Reading through the Groundswell, I have come to realize how the rapid adoption of social media and the shift within corporations to measure and manage social and environmental impact is fundamentally changing the way companies engage with their stakeholders. Groundswell indicates that companies will need to work much more closely with stakeholders in order to navigate these two trends. Despite the complexities of this new landscape, a wide variety of best practices are emerging to aid organizations.

The readings from Groundswell help us to understand that select group of corporate executives, social entrepreneurs, and digital gurus will have to meet to discuss emerging best practices in using social media to create positive social change.

1) The Growth of Listening Platforms: Executives from companies need to explore how social media technologies bring management much closer to employees and customers and the way they are soliciting ideas and feedback on strategy, both internally and externally.

2) ‘Digital Activism’ means communities can take collective action using social media tools and help campaigns go viral. Due to its scope, digital activism can influence consumer and marketing trends and companies are facing increasing pressure from individuals, communities, NGOs, and activists on a range of sustainability and responsibility issues.

3) Mobile technologies are revolutionizing the way people work and live in both the developing and developed world. Many companies are using different mobile technology to drive positive social change.

4) The development of effective learning and leadership skills comes through practical experience and structural reflection. Online gaming, traditionally the scorn of parents and educators alike, is now seen as an effective tool for disseminating knowledge and building normative behavior.

5) An increasing number of companies and organizations are leveraging “the crowd” to source ideas, create products and services, and solve challenges. The move from a closed development process to a collaborative network that solves the needs of consumers, employees, and other stakeholders will only grow over time.

http://mashable.com/2010/07/12/social-media-at-work/