The Purpose Of This Short Research Paper Is To Ensure Proper
The Purpose Of This Short Research Paper Is To Ensure Proper Understan
The purpose of this short research paper is to ensure proper understanding and application of APA style as required in all Ashford courses. Using the Ashford Online Library, develop an annotated bibliography on one of the following factors that has had a significant impact on business and management communication in the past decade: · diversity · globalization and outsourcing · pace of life and work · evolving workplace technologies · influence of social media · ethical challenges. Your annotated bibliography requires at least six (6) peer-reviewed articles, full reference information, and a short paragraph description of the main findings.
The paper:
- Must be two to three double-spaced pages in length (not including the title), and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
- Must include a title page with the following:
- Title of paper
- Student’s name
- Course name and number
- Instructor’s name
- Date submitted
- Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
- Must use at least six scholarly sources from the Ashford Online Library (you can use other sources). One of the six sources may be the text.
- Must include at least one direct quote from one of the sources.
- Must include at least one summarized statement from one of the sources.
Paper For Above instruction
Developing an Annotated Bibliography on the Impact of Social Media on Business and Management Communication
In recent years, social media has profoundly transformed the landscape of business and management communication. Its rapid growth over the past decade has changed how organizations interact internally, externally, and with the broader public. This paper develops an annotated bibliography of six scholarly sources that analyze social media's influence, its challenges, and its opportunities within the realm of business communication, highlighting the core findings and critical insights from each.
One pivotal study by Kaplan and Haenlein (2010) provides a comprehensive overview of social media's role in business communication. They describe social media as “a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content” (p. 61). Their analysis emphasizes how businesses leverage platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to augment marketing, customer engagement, and brand management. The authors argue that social media allows for more direct and immediate communication channels, which can enhance customer loyalty and facilitate real-time feedback. This source lays a foundational understanding of the technological and ideological concepts behind social media and its application in management strategies.
Further, Mangold and Faulds (2009) explore the evolving nature of marketing in social media environments. They highlight how social media marketing requires different strategies compared to traditional channels, emphasizing the importance of participation and engagement. The authors note that “social media provides a unique opportunity for organizations to listen and respond to customers in real time” (p. 357). Their research underscores the shift from one-way communication to two-way dialogue and how this change impacts brand perception and customer satisfaction.
Another significant source by Kietzmann et al. (2011) introduces the concept of the "social media honeycomb," a framework for understanding the seven building blocks of social media. They discuss elements such as identity, conversations, and sharing, and their implications for business communication. The authors highlight that effective management of these elements can result in more authentic and meaningful brand interactions and community engagement. This framework aids organizations in evaluating and enhancing their social media strategies.
In terms of ethical challenges, Tuten and Solomon (2017) address issues such as privacy, misinformation, and the ethical responsibilities of organizations on social media platforms. They assert that “the proliferation of social media has increased the potential for privacy violations and misinformation” (p. 204). Their work emphasizes the importance of transparency and ethical standards in maintaining trust and integrity in social media communications.
Additionally, research by Lovelock and Wirtz (2016) examines the risks and crises associated with social media. They describe how negative comments or scandals can spread rapidly, necessitating swift and effective crisis management strategies. They argue that “organizations must develop social media policies and response plans to mitigate reputational damage” (p. 512), highlighting the centrality of proactive communication management.
Finally, Coombs and Holladay (2012) focus on crisis communication in social media, providing case studies and frameworks for effective response. They stress that social media requires organizations to be transparent, timely, and empathetic in their communication efforts during crises. Their insights reinforce the importance of integrating social media into overall organizational crisis management plans.
In conclusion, social media has drastically impacted how businesses communicate, requiring new strategies, ethical standards, and crisis management practices. The scholarly sources reviewed in this annotated bibliography offer a multifaceted understanding of these dynamics, illustrating that effective social media communication hinges on transparency, engagement, and ethical responsibility, vital for maintaining competitive advantage and stakeholder trust in contemporary business environments.
References
- Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social media. Business Horizons, 53(1), 59-68.
- Mangold, W. G., & Faulds, D. J. (2009). Social media: The new hybrid element of the promotion mix. Business Horizons, 52(4), 357-365.
- Kietzmann, J. H., Hermkens, K., McCarthy, I. P., & Silvestre, B. S. (2011). Social media? Get serious! Understanding the functional building blocks of social media. Business Horizons, 54(3), 241-251.
- Tuten, T. L., & Solomon, M. R. (2017). Social media marketing (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
- Lovelock, C., & Wirtz, J. (2016). Services marketing: People, technology, strategy (8th ed.). Pearson.
- Coombs, W. T., & Holladay, S. J. (2012). Managing reputation and crisis communication. Wiley.