Students Experiences of Social Media - Research Proposal Example

Report- Experiences of Social Media Table of Contents Review of Literature 3 Computer-mediated communication (CMC) 3 Characteristics 4 Benefits of application of CMC 5 Methodology 6 Adaptation of Research Method 7 Primary and Secondary Data Collection Process and Justification of Questions 7 Sampling for this Focus group interview 8 Data Analysis through Questionnaire 8 Conclusion 10 Critical Evaluation and Reflection 11 References 14 Appendix 17 Review of Literature Social media has become one of the most important software tools for communication in the world. Modern researchers believe that social media can be very useful in order to attain organizational goals (Ray, 2011, p.78). Employers have a dissimilar set of vision behind the implementation of social media in organizations. It has been perceived and observed that social media has some negative impacts on employees, such as lower productivity and lack of interest on work. However, the positive features of social media can-not be ignored (Carroll, 2002, p.19). Social media allows employees to stay connected to each other and it also helps in effective progression of complex projects. Formerly, all type of formal and non-formal communications on texts were done using emails (Goldberg, 2010, p.89). The foremost problem with email is that it is not very quick like instant messaging system and it requires bulk messages to be sent by addressing one employee at a time (Smith, 2010, p.51). However, formal messages in organizations are conveyed via email but employees and managers prefer using computer-mediated communication at work, such as LinkedIn and instant messaging (Cokins, 2004, p.12). Computer-mediated communication (CMC) It is defined as the human communication that can be created with the help of two or more electronic devices which includes communication through chat rooms, email and instant messaging. Furthermore, the research on computer-mediated communication primarily focuses on social and communal effects on communication technologies of computers. Moreover, this process of human communication has been adopted in other forms such as test messages. The prime technologies of computer-mediated communication are internet relay chat, video conferencing, computer conferencing, mailing, email and mailing lists. There are several research works which provide vivid information to state that CMC can influence the way of people communication and affect the social networks and communication patterns. The rapid development in popularity of personal computers has initiated computer-mediated communication to be attractive (Gordon, 2008, p.55). CMC has gained its fame recently due to its innovative and advanced features like the ability to send multiple files at a time and the two way conversation method (Leon, 2008, p.43). Some people have been criticizing computer-mediated communication in organizations because it has reduced active participation of employees in traditional mode of communications (Kumar, 2011, p.18). Most of the people during their business hours are observed to be engaged in their personal computers with their work and responding to emails and texts (Wulf, 2006, p.62). Some people also have the habit to update their social networking profiles regularly so that it looks attractive to others (Masters, 2007, p.99). This behaviour of human beings in the organization shows that employees have been dominated by the use of CMC applications (Mackay, 1992, p.11). Characteristics Computer-mediated communication is compared and examined with other communication media devices with the help of number of aspects which includes persistence, anonymity and synchronicity. Computers have become essential to people and they value the use of computers highly. The mediated nature of computer-mediated communication enables more careful construction of personal information and greater manipulation however the delayed natures of computer-mediated communication allows participants to revise, review and cancel their communications before the information is sent to the desired location (Orlinkowski, 1992, p.12). This factor is very important for employees working in an organization together (Pourt, 1996, p.11). Previously, due to lack of social media and CMC people did-not have proper chances to change their conversations and it would result in formation of disputes and conflicts among employees (Pfaffenberger, 1998, p.17). However, the implementation of CMC has brought some significant changes in the organizational way of conveying information (Schwartz, 198, p.25). In the modern world, the use of email, instant messages and texts are very common and people do-not pay much attention on the amount of dependency they have obtained with the use of CMC (Selwyn, 2004, p.15). Without the use of some social media websites, employees would not be able to work appropriately (Scolve, 1995, p.9). The most pivotal reason, due to which employees prefer computer-mediated communication, is the ability the opportunity they get due to the use of CMC. Employees are able to share their knowledge and experiences regarding their project to their team-members, which reduces the time required for completion of their work. Moreover, with the help of CMC organizational updates re easily shared by employers with their employees. The disapproval against CMC did not prove to be valuable because the method has many benefits over its limitation. In some situations employers might feel that employees can misuse the opportunity provided to them and end up enjoying private conversations. However these type of allegation against CMC does-not seem significant because employers can always cross-check the conversation of their employees. Furthermore, employees mostly involve themselves in formal conversations that are essential for the organization. Benefits of application of CMC There are mainly three benefits that make the communication form of CMC asynchronous (Wolonger, 1996, p.3). First of all, CMC has the potential to eliminate problems that have been created by barriers of time and space. The communication method is electronic and it mostly includes text based conversations hence people find the mode of communication easier and safer. CMC is cost effective and it is easy to use. Social media is used by most of the people in the world. The nature of social media has made the accessing system very easy for users. Even children from a very low age learn the use of social media (Wajcman, 2002, p.19). Therefore, it is significant that employees find the mode of communication easier and the communication process is cost efficient as well. The third most important benefit of CMC is that it has the potential of being customizable and personal (Webster, 2002, p.15). Most of the social networking pages like Twitter and LinkedIn etc. have profile pictures to identify the user. Moreover the personal profiles are secured with the help of passwords (Wajcman, 2000, p.3). Hence the mode of communication is completely safe. These factors have enhanced the use of computer-mediated communication in organizations and the technology can bring has proved to be efficient in business productivity (Touminen, 2005, p.12). Most of the organizations have intra-network connections in their computers (Wajcman, 2009, p.16). This process allows the establishment of connection among all the computers within an organization (Wajcman, 2013, p.4). Computer-mediated communication does-not require any extra investment if the computers of an organization are already connected with each other with the help of intra-net (Warren, 1995, p.16). Methodology Methodology can be considered as an important integral part of any research work. This section will justify the selection of specific research method and data collection process considering the nature of the sample. Adaptation of Research Method A qualitative research method was adopted for successful completion of the report. Qualitative research enables a researcher to obtain in-depth understanding of the experiences gained from the investigation. The survey report is conducted based on the information available from the focus groups. In the survey, respondents have been asked about different issues related to CMC and its benefits. Focus group can be considered as a type of qualitative research method in which a several respondents in a group are asked about their perceptions, views, thoughts, motivations and beliefs on a particular topic. Focus group survey generally allows the researchers or interviewers to examine people in an effective conversation process. The answers obtained from the respondents have been analyzed to gather appropriate outcome related to the topic. With the help of the survey, new ideas have also been recorded which can be beneficial for proper implementation of computer-mediated communication in organizations. Primary and Secondary Data Collection Process and Justification of Questions Data collection process can be considered as a valuable research element that help0s a researcher to gain positive and expected research outcome. Primary and secondary data collection processes have been incorporated in this study based on the benefits of these two data collection process. Five questions have been asked to the respondents in each focus group. These questions are based on the use of social media communication tool in workplaces and its benefits and weaknesses. Most importantly, the respondents have also responded about the monitoring of these applications in workplaces in order to enhance effective organizational communication and workplace environment. Since the use of social media in workplaces as internal communication process has become an emerging aspect in contemporary business operation environment, the importance of the questions in the questionnaire is highly justified. Sampling for this Focus group interview Proper sample size for focus group survey is important for a researcher to collect and gather appropriate data and information. Total sample size for this focus group interview is 8. A comparison of opinions has been collected from two different focus groups containing 4 members in each group. Several questions has been asked to the respondents and based on the survey conducted evidences have been recorded for successful completion of the report. The members of the two focus group consisted of 3 students from the university along with a professor of the university. The students have completed their summer internship in MNC firms and have knowledge about use of CMC and social media in workplaces. The respondents have been selected efficiently based on understanding and knowledge about monitoring of social media in order to control the errors that might appear during theory testing and responses. Data Analysis through Questionnaire The outcomes have been influenced by the spontaneous responses from the interview participants in focus group (Appendix-Questionnaire). The respondents of the first focus group stated that there are many computer-mediated communicative methods used in workplaces, for example twitter, e-mail, instant messaging, SNS, LinkedIn etc. The other group supported the statements of the first group and in addition they stated that computer-mediated communication is essential for organizational development. It is also favourable from employee’s perspective. The respondents of the second group also mentioned about additional software used for establishing connection between employees, such as Citrix. Therefore, there are many computer-mediated communication tools that are used in organizations. The respondents of both focus groups had a positive feeling regarding the question. 6 respondents among them stated that CMC is very important for an organization. CMC provides a platform based on which employees are able to establish conversation among each other and they are able to consult with each other in order to solve complex problems. Organizational updates are also shared easily among the employees by their employer. Computer-mediated communication has definitely changed the traditional interaction pattern among employees but it has the ability to complete a task quickly and error-free. The remaining two respondents stated that CMC does not have much use in workplaces. This question was asked to both focus groups differently in order to obtain complete information on the benefits and shortcomings. The first respondent group stated that CMC has many benefits including enhancing business productivity. With the help of CMC employees can work together in a common platform and enhance their productivity. CMC also provides the opportunity to have conversation in order to reduce work-pressure. Employers can also convey their messages easily to their employees with the help of CMC in workplaces. The other respondents of the second focus group were asked about the drawbacks of CMC. The second focus group respondents stated that employees find it very difficult to work continuously under the constant flux of technology. Employees need breaks so that they can recreate their mind and energy but CMC does not allow employees to acquire the required energy for working. Moreover, CMC has reduced the social conversation and engagement among employees due to the use of highly advanced technical tools. Five respondents stated that employers would not have control over the conversations made by employees and the employees could engage themselves in personal debates, which could be harmful in terms of organizational productivity. The respondents also stated that people criticize the use of social media and CMC in organizations because it reduces the traditional mode f conversations and turns the work-environment unethical. The other three respondents of the focus group stated that implementation of CMC in workplaces results in overload of technology and employees feel the pressure and get exhausted soon. Hence, the traditional ways of conversations are preferred over CMC. Both focus groups collectively stated that the most important weakness of CMC is the misuse of technology that has occurred in some organizations. Employees should be closely monitored, while they are exposed to CMC and use of social media. Employers can also secure their social networking pages with the help of powerful firewalls. These preventions would help to enhance business productivity and also help to check misconducts. Conclusion This can be concluded that use of social media and CMC has several benefits as well as shortcomings in business operation processes in the workplace. The prime benefits of social media and CMC help in the development of the effective communication among the employees within the organization. In the era of globalization, the rapid upsurge of technological advancement has forced organization to initiate new strategy to maintain corporate sustainability. CMC and Social media strengthens relationship between the employee and employers. Use of these applications generally helps to influence the employees to perform effectively. It also enhances collaborative workplace performances. However, there are several weaknesses too. It is clear from the focus group data analysis part that the use of CMC can affect the organizational workplace culture due to some developed issues in the organization communication process between the employees and employers. Possibility of critical debates through these applications can affect the relationship between employees and employers. On the other hand, it can also hamper the personal security and privacy aspects of employees due to cyber crime issue. In addition to this, use of CMC in organizational communication process can also violate the privacy norm of the organizations. Several critical organizational data and documents can be hacked or shared through the use of CMC. Most notably, the organizations need to focus on the benefits of the use of CMC and social media communication process within the organization. The emergence of these advanced technological processes can expand and increase the communication between the employees and employers. In terms of issues and shortcomings, the management should try to control the use of these applications in order to maintain an effective workplace environment. Critical Evaluation and Reflection The report provides vivid explanation that focus group survey method has been incorporated in the research work as part of major data collection process. 6 graduates and 2 professors have been selected in this survey method. 2 groups with 4 respondents have been developed in order to gain differentiated responses from the participants. 6 students have done their summer internship programme in the MNCs and have knowledge about the use, benefits, drawbacks and monitoring of the social media communication tools in workplaces. On the other hand, the professors also had the experiences about the use of CMC in the workplace. Their knowledge helped the researcher to gain valuable response to the asked questions. In addition to this, the students also have provided prompt answers to the asked questions. The division of two groups with 4 respondents helped the researcher to gain flexible and effective responses. The researcher faced some difficulties too. The researcher had to complete the survey process quickly due to limited time allotted by the university. In addition to this, the respondents did not agree to give responses about in-depth experience at workplaces due to privacy aspects of the workplaces. This aspect created difficulty to gain all the information that have had with the respondents. The survey that is executed and effectively conducted among eight respondents of a university reflects that computer-mediated communication is an essential component in organizations. This report suggests that computer-mediated communication has significant benefits in various sectors hence its use cannot be stopped. Based on the outcomes obtained from the feedback of the respondents, it has also been observed that social media has some weaknesses due to which it has been criticized several times by people. The shortcomings include low amount of social conversation among employees, reduction of business production, misuse of internet services with the help of social media websites. Computer-mediated communication enables employees to work on the same platform and allows them to have detailed conversations regarding complex issues. However, people prefer instant messengers and twitter more because they have the potential to send a single message to multiple numbers of people being on the same page. They are quick tools and also easy to access. Moreover, the social-media pages are attractive, which increases its preference in workplaces. Based on the survey conducted on the focus groups it has been observed that CMC has some limitations but if some methodical ways are implemented the limitations can be easily checked. According to the students, employers should monitor employee’s behaviour while they are using the social-media tools. The statements collected from the respondents also suggest that CMC enhances the productivity of organizations and it helps employees to complete their tasks swiftly. This saves the work-time of organizations and helps the employees to gain new ideas with the help of group discussions. The comfort zone and privacy aspect of the respondents have been taken care of in order to maintain ethics and flexibility in focus group survey process. References Carroll, B., 2002. Lean performance ERP project management. London: Routledge. Cokins, G., 2004. Performance management. New York: Springer. Goldberg, N., 2010. Modern ERP. London: Routledge. Gordon, S., 2008. Supplier evaluation and performance excellence. London: Kogan Page. Kumar, S., 2011. Handbook of research in Enterprise Systems. Stamford: Cengage Learning. Leon, A., 2008. ERP Demystified. London: Kogan Page. Mackay, H., 1992. Extending the social shaping of technology approach: ideology and appropriation. 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Innovative health technologies and the social: Redefining health, medicine and the body. Journal of Modern Sociology, 8(3), p.15. Wolongar, C., 1996. Technologies are cultural artefacts. Journal of information and communication technologies, 19(1), p.3. Wulf, C., 2006. CFO Insights. London: Routledge. Appendix 1. What are the different types of computer-mediated communication tools that are used in an organization? 2. Are there any essential benefits of implementation of CMC within the organization? 3. There are several benefits and shortcomings of the CMC. Please provide some of your own opinions? 4. Why has the practice of CMC in organizations been assessed and criticized by the employers as well as industry experts in this contemporary business environment? 5. Every communication tools has their own flaws and restrictions. If there are any limitations of using CMS, how can they be resolved in a best possible way? Read More