Managing the Flow of Information on an Enterprise Social Network

Abstract

Using an Enterprise social network called Yammer as an example the article examines the practices for managing the flow of information on an Enterprise social network. Enterprise social networks are fairly common in today’s workplace. They serve many purposes. Some social networks help promote a collaborative work environment. They support employee interaction within a group. These networks have proven effective as a way to improve communication between project team members and between company employees in general. Enterprise social networks, however, can also offer a platform for promoting a broad cultural change in a company. When it comes to influencing human behavior, their role is paramount. The role of an Enterprise social network in promoting a culture change in a company, however, is far less explored than its role as a communication means. In the US industry, a specific discipline studies and employs the practices of influencing employee behavior and motivations. This discipline is called Organizational Change Management (OCM). OCM is specifically interested in studying new channels for relaying information about a change to employees. How do you best manage the flow of information in a corporate social network to achieve maximum efficiency? What is the best communication channel to influence employee behaviors to achieve and sustain company goals? This article examines the practices of channeling information to company employees and from employees to Senior Leadership using an Enterprise social network.

Target audiences for this article include Senior Management, members of the Project Management Organizations (PMO), Organizational Change Management Organizations (OCMO), training teams, and organizational development consultants.