Social Networking

Abstract

This chapter discusses social networking. Social media is the umbrella term for the wide variety of tools and applications that give the Web its social capabilities that allow a community to come together, communicate, and build upon one another’s opinions and ideas. However, a social network is a site that uses one or more of these social media tools for the primary purpose of promoting connectivity and interaction, to facilitate people communicating with other people. The chapter presents the benefits of social networking. The enterprises can utilize social networking tools in myriad different ways and realize a number of different benefits because of their flexibility. The chapter also discusses the examples of social networking tools. Social networking has taken the Web and turned it into a global conversation. Organizations are increasingly eager to explore ways of leveraging its reach and power. Bringing the solutions in-house through enterprise social networking solutions can provide a number of benefits, including cost savings, increased collaboration, and improved research and service. However, they also may present specific impediments to progress. Organizations need to understand and face these impediments, learn how to shift from a traditional style of communication, and stand firmly behind social networking to truly reap the rewards.