Social networks – the building blocks of next generation corporations

Social networks have grown to the extent that they have become a primary channel through which people now engage in business. People management specialists say the market has reached the point where it is no longer a case of whether or not to consider social networking in the business arena, it is simply when and how it should be monitored.

Leading, established service providers focused on the growing human resource development space believe corporate South Africa has only just begun to explore the potential that exists within social networks.

Offerings and virtual communities like FaceBook, Twitter, BranchOut and Second Life appeal to recruiters as a means by which existing and prospective candidates are evaluated and monitored. Rightly or wrongly, the social forum is being used to check on people’s profiles and gain more insight into their characters.

From a recruitment point of view, the online arena – and social networks in particular – offers employers a vantage point to canvass for suitable candidates and to market available positions.

It also presents job-seekers and existing employees with a resource to scout for positions and to solicit more information on prospective employers.

But it is the potential that exists in social networks and social media to promote and advertise businesses that has captured the interest of decision makers, say HR and people management specialists at Accsys.

Accsys, a member of the Business Connexion Group (BCX), is a national supplier of people management software and hardware solutions within the HR, payroll and time & attendance space.

The company provides a service to a broad base of national and international clients. These clients operate within a variety of industry and markets - with retail, telecoms, government and manufacturing considered mainstay sectors.

The reality is that more and more companies have embraced the social network to communicate to markets and differentiate their service/ product within an ever-increasingly competitive environment says Teryl Schroenn, CEO at Accsys.

“Social networking and social media involve ubiquitous technology that is by nature pervasive, instantaneous and intrusive. This presents businesses with a powerful tool to reach connected consumers. The ability to showcase or discuss products and services to a mass-market is attractive to decision makers,” Schroenn explains.

It is not only the ability to demonstrate and communicate to audiences that appeals to businesses, it is also the power to influence and dynamically adjust messages and control information Schroenn adds.

Social network websites are chiefly public forums that are used to post messages through various channels and companies are leveraging off features like fan pages, chat sessions, information boards and the like to establish a solid presence.

“Decision managers, marketing strategists and executive managers agree that the social network is undeniably part of a credible, modern and progressive corporate communications plan. It is also inextricably linked to the work environment and people development. How this resource is utilised will make a difference,” adds Schroenn.


www.accsys.co.za

This article was originally posted on Africa ICT & Telecom Network

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