Communication types and uses of enterprise microblogging in a global IT services organisation
Date
2013-10-08
Authors
Williamson, Cari Jeanne Hartley
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to gain a better understanding of
microblogging in the context of the enterprise, and how the use of an enterprise
microblogging (EMB) platform can facilitate internal organisational
communication
The research establishes why, how and in what form employees post messages
on an EMB platform, with particular reference to the way in which the platform is
used by employees to shape internal communication within a global IT services
organisation.
The methodology deployed in this research is that of qualitative, genre analysis
and from the results the communicative genres of EMB within a global IT
services organisation are derived.
The findings showed that EMB messages were mainly in the form of text only,
their main purpose was to transfer knowledge between users and engage in
conversations. The content shared was often: general-business-related
information found both in the public domain and within the organisation; updates
as to what employees were busy doing; and employees’ opinions and
suggestions across a broad set of work related topics.
The platform was used to update people, transfer knowledge, voice opinions,
engage in pleasantries and praise, have conversations that led to the resolution
of specific problems, provide news flashes, notify others of things to come and
provide clarity on previously shared information.
What becomes evident from the comparison of the results with other case
studies in this field of research is that the content, purpose and form of posts
were not unique, but the frequency of the emerging genres was diverse and
appeared to be dependent on the context and culture of the organisation under
study.
Description
MBA thesis
Keywords
Microblogging, Blogging, Information technology