Survey examines social network risks

Sixty percent of business executives believe they have a right to know how employees portray themselves and their organizations in online social networks, according to a new Deloitte LLP ethics and workplace survey.

Employees, however, disagree, with 53% saying their social networking pages are not an employer’s concern. Younger workers in particular believe that employers have no business monitoring their online activity.

“While the decision to post videos, pictures, thoughts, experiences and observations is personal, a single act can create far reaching ethical consequences for individuals as well as employers,” said Sharon Allen, chair of the board, Deloitte LLP. “Therefore, it is important for executives to be mindful of the implications of this connected world and to elevate the discussion about the risks associated with it to the highest levels of leadership.”

The survey shows that employees appear to have a clear understanding of the risks involved in using online social networks, as 74% believe social media can make it easier to damage a company’s reputation.

Only 17% of executives have programs in place to monitor and mitigate the possible reputational risks related to the use of social networks. Just under half (46%) of employees indicate defined guidelines will not change their behavior online.

The complete results of the 2009 Ethics & Workplace survey reflect opinions of employees and business executives on ethics, work-life balance, reputational risk and the prevalence of boardroom participation as it relates to increased employee social networking.

More news