Using APA Style: The Purpose Of This Short Research P 593111

Using APA Style The purpose of this short research paper is to ensure

Using APA Style The purpose of this short research paper is to ensure proper understanding and application of APA style as required in all Ashford courses. The assignment requires developing an annotated bibliography on one of the following factors that have significantly impacted business and management communication in the past decade: diversity, globalization and outsourcing, pace of life and work, evolving workplace technologies, influence of social media, or ethical challenges. The annotated bibliography must include at least six peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Ashford Online Library, with full references and a short paragraph describing each source's main findings.

The paper should be two to three double-spaced pages, excluding the title page, and formatted according to APA style guidelines outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. The title page must include the paper’s title, the student’s name, course name and number, instructor’s name, and submission date. Critical thinking must be demonstrated throughout the paper, addressing the chosen topic with insight and depth.

In addition to providing annotated entries for each source, the paper must include at least one direct quote and one summarized statement from the sources, both properly cited according to APA rules. All sources must be documented in APA format, and the entire paper should adhere to APA style standards, including in-text citations and reference formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The realm of business and management communication has been profoundly shaped by various factors over the past decade. Among these, social media has emerged as a transformative influence, revolutionizing how organizations engage with audiences, foster brand loyalty, and manage crises. The integration of evolving workplace technologies further complements this shift, offering new avenues for collaboration and information dissemination. This paper develops an annotated bibliography focusing on the influence of social media on business communication, illustrating its significance through scholarly research. The sources highlight how social media strategies impact customer engagement, organizational reputation, and internal communication dynamics, emphasizing the importance for modern organizations to adapt to this digital landscape.

Annotated Bibliography

1. Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social media. Business Horizons, 53(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2009.09.003

This foundational article discusses the emergence of social media as a powerful communication tool in the business environment. Kaplan and Halenlein define social media platforms and analyze their potential for organizational marketing and internal communication. They explore challenges such as information overload and privacy concerns, emphasizing the need for strategic management of social media tools. The authors argue that effective use of social media can enhance brand visibility, foster engagement, and facilitate real-time feedback, which are crucial for competitive advantage.

2. Mangold, W. G., & Faulds, D. J. (2009). Social media: The new hybrid element of the promotion mix. Business Horizons, 52(4), 357–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2009.03.002

Mangold and Faulds explore how social media acts as a hybrid element in the marketing mix, blending traditional promotional methods with customer-generated content. Their research emphasizes that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter enable organizations to broaden their reach and interact directly with consumers. The article provides evidence that social media marketing significantly impacts customer loyalty and purchase decisions, demonstrating its value in strategic communication planning.

3. Trainor, K. J., Andzulis, J. M., Rapp, A., & Agnoli, L. (2014). Social media technology usage and customer relationship performance: A capabilities-based examination of social CRM. Journal of Business Research, 67(6), 1201–1208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2013.05.016

This study investigates the role of social media in enhancing customer relationship management (CRM). Trainor et al. argue that social CRM capabilities, such as social listening and engagement, improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. The authors highlight how organizations leverage social media data to tailor communication and respond promptly to customer concerns, thus bolstering organizational reputation and competitive positioning.

4. 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2011.01.005

This article introduces a framework for understanding the key functions of social media that influence business communication. The authors categorize eight building blocks, including identity, conversations, and sharing, which facilitate meaningful engagement with stakeholders. They emphasize that organizations must develop clear strategies to harness these components effectively, preventing social media from becoming a liability.

5. Schultz, D. E., & Peltier, J. (2013). Social media's slippery slope: Challenges and solutions for effective use. Business Horizons, 56(2), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2012.11.003

Schultz and Peltier critique the challenges posed by social media use, such as brand mismanagement and regulatory compliance issues. They advocate for comprehensive social media policies and training to mitigate risks. Their findings suggest that proactive management and transparent communication are vital for leveraging social media's benefits while safeguarding organizational reputation.

6. Qualman, E. (2018). Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we connect, communicate, and do business. Wiley.

Qualman's book provides a comprehensive overview of social media's impact on global business practices. It emphasizes that social media fosters unprecedented levels of consumer engagement and provides organizations with valuable data insights. The author illustrates how businesses that effectively utilize social media gain competitive advantages, citing real-world examples and strategic recommendations.

Conclusion

The scholarly literature underscores that social media has become an essential component of modern business communication strategies. Its ability to facilitate real-time interaction, enhance brand visibility, and improve customer relationships makes it a critical asset for organizations seeking to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. As companies continue to navigate privacy concerns and maintain authenticity, the strategic application of social media is expected to remain a key differentiator. Future research should further explore innovative engagement techniques and the ethical implications of social media marketing, ensuring that organizations can maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2009.09.003
  • Mangold, W. G., & Faulds, D. J. (2009). Social media: The new hybrid element of the promotion mix. Business Horizons, 52(4), 357–365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2009.03.002
  • Trainor, K. J., Andzulis, J. M., Rapp, A., & Agnoli, L. (2014). Social media technology usage and customer relationship performance: A capabilities-based examination of social CRM. Journal of Business Research, 67(6), 1201–1208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2013.05.016
  • 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2011.01.005
  • Schultz, D. E., & Peltier, J. (2013). Social media's slippery slope: Challenges and solutions for effective use. Business Horizons, 56(2), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2012.11.003
  • Qualman, E. (2018). Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we connect, communicate, and do business. Wiley.

Related Assignments