Back in October of 2009 I noted that, according to IDC and Robert Half Technology, 54% of all US CIOs prohibit social networking sites at work. While the numbers were a cause for discussion at that time, many experts in the field have told me that the walls have been crumbling down. Well, John Cougar Mellencamp may have sung it, but the reality is that those walls are still going up around many businesses and agencies.
According to Robert Half’s latest survey of 1400 CIOs we see that 38 percent of CIOs interviewed are implementing stricter social networking policies. In fact, the CIOs are becoming more strict with respect to the use of social networking for both personal and business use with only 17% becoming more lenient.
While there is great value, in my opinion, in the strategic deployment of social networking and collaboration efforts there remain a many skeptics in the executive rank. Be ready to make a solid business case and involve everyone in the process. If you don’t, you may just find those walls going up even higher in your organization.
John
April 17, 2010 at 8:06 am
[...] CIOs, please stop erecting those walls [...]
April 15, 2010 at 7:10 pm
What types of businesses are you talking to? Not all companies need to allow social networking so I am curious if you have a framework for who this applies to.
April 15, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Eric, I agree that not every business NEEDs to allow social networking sites access. I am of the opinion, however, that the money and the time spent in trying to prevent access are wasted.
Companies should setup acceptable use policies and monitor if they feel they are at risk. Employees will leverage social media from the office one way or the other. You can either incent them to find ways to work around the walls you have setup or you can give them a single doorway.
John
April 15, 2010 at 10:16 pm
I think the concern some companies have is people wasting time updating their facebook status, etc when they should be doing their job. If their job involves social media channels, great. Give them the access they need.
On the other hand though, I think the issue is a lot of companies are loosing far more money on wasted hours with people being unproductive.
It’s one thing for an employee to take initiative and use social tools to the companies benefit – and I believe companies would be smart to leverage that channel.
It’s another thing to have a sea of employees using social tools that have zero impact on the business. That is costly.
Setting up firewall blocks is pretty simple and not time consuming at all. I don’t think that is the issue.
I think companies that block the social channels are those that are experiencing abuse and have no need for that channel.
We cant make a plea to all CIO’s to tear down the walls. Rather make a plea to discover where the social channels will benefit the business and give it the time and respect it deserves. If it applies to their business, great.
It just depends on the company and what they feel is really going to increase the bottom line.
April 16, 2010 at 10:27 am
Thanks Eric. I agree that many companies view social media as a waste of time, every second people spend updating their second is time taken away from doing their jobs.
Now, do I agree with this viewpoint? Yes and No. There will always be some employees that abuse “freedoms” and slide by without doing their job to the fullest. However, this is a management issue, not a technology issue. In other words, those employees that are giong to find excuses not to get their job done will do it with, or without, social media. My thoughts, clarified:
1) Not every employee or company need to leverage social media.
2) Not all customers in all markets are on social media channels.
3) Not all customers want to have a 1 to 1 relationship with every business they do business with.
4) Blocking social media sends the wrong message, one of distrust. Employees will find ways around these blocks. Companies that leave this available, and manage those that abuse it, will be rewarded with more loyal, happier, employees.
Thanks Eric. I have huge respect for you and your opinions and will simply agree to disagree on this one.
John
April 14, 2010 at 4:02 am
John, this is a very timely article. Recently I’ve been talking to several CIOs about social networking and social media in general. In a word these talks have been tedious. I get that they need a business case and that’s fine. When the thoroughness of the business case becomes a proxy for saying “no” then it’s time to find out what’s bugging these folks. I’ve asked. The answers are all over the board. Maybe some of them will respond to this article. Say hello to walls!?
April 13, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Thanks for the note Aaron. It is a challenging conversation, working people through their concerns with opening up doors and windows in the walls of their house. However, once they do so they will be amazed at what is possible.
John