Social Media in Government: Tools to Improve Agency Operations

Overview

Perhaps the most common criticism of the use of social media in the workplace is that it distracts employees, wasting their time and reducing efficiency while posing additional risks. This notion, however, has been challenged by the increasing variety and utility of social media tools, which are improving the way in which organizations across the world communicate.

The ways in which the social media are used is evolving as well. What began primarily as a mechanism to enhance external marketing efforts now is often used inside the workplace as well, to improve the way in which employees use resources, perform their jobs and make decisions.

Rising interest in social networking has spurred the creation a plethora of media tools, and it can be difficult to separate hype from real value, and to select the right tool for the job. But the selection and deployment of these tools is subject to the same considerations that apply to any other investment in organizational capability: relevance to the mission, potential benefits — and the likelihood
of success.

Read the full report