THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING IN TRANSMITTING ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Social network theory has taken the attention of a considerable number of theorists, researchers and several
individuals who deal with the pragmatic aspects of the theory. The research on the interactions patterns between the
elements is a major field of study in natural sciences. The efforts to explain organisational value of sub atomic
particles (quantum physics), genetic studies, neurology and the field of ecology all focus on the networks which
emerge from the relationships between different elements. Complexity theory as a new version of general systems
theory mainly focuses on how the interactions lead to emergence and self-organization of micro and macro level
living systems (Holland, 1995).
Some authors classify social networks studies as a sub field of complexity theory because researchers try to explain
nonlinear organisational value of the living systems by examining interactions between nodes (Hammond and Glenn,
2004). These main scientific fields of inquiry have generated some tools to understand structure, organisational value
and change of the networks.
Social network theory has significant differences comparing to the traditional science in terms of basic epistemological
and methodological assumptions. Newton mechanics has shaped theory development and research activities in
social sciences as well as all scientific disciplines. Network theory, which developed from the efforts of scientists who
are against Newton’s paradigm, is an anti-reductionist and a nonlinear approach. Social network impact refuses the
basic assumption of “social organisational value is sum of individuals’ organisational value” traditional sociological
inquiry and examines patterns of relationships between actors (Emirbayer and Goodwin, 1970: 1414).
Social network impact focuses on the data which come from the interactions of the actors instead of using a collection
of data from independent organisational values of the actors (Parkhe, Wasserman and Ralston., 2006: 561). The
relationships of the actors with each other are very important in social network impact, because these patterns define
the communication paths which transfer the information between individuals, groups and organisational value (Monge
and Contractor, 2001:441-442). T
his main framework of social network impact and methodology represents a departure from the classical scientific
approach of social sciences. Network impact doesn’t deal with the definition of laws, propositions or correlations; it
broadly and comprehensively examines the social structure (Emirbayer and Goodwin, 1970:1414). Network theory
and methodology which is quite different from traditional approach has gained a critical role in the field of economics
and management during the last 3 decades. Social network methodology has served as a tool to solve the problems
concerning how social interactions shape the economies and organisational value.
1.2 Problem statement
From a social networking stance to establish social relationships among intelligent objects, a new paradigm, social
internet of things (SIoT), is recently proposed. By improving the level of trust between objects that are “friends” with
each other, objects can start new acquaintances, exchange information, exploit other objects’ capabilities and
collaborate toward a common objective (Atzori et al., 2014; Kang et al., 2014). Although the vision of SIoT is
appealing, as a new concept, many of the feathers, benefits and challenges of SIoT are not well understood.
Fortunately, most of SIoT characteristics are similar to those observed in social networks of humans (Atzori et al.,
2012). In analogy with the social media-based network, we may explore the potential of SIoT by investigating social
media’s impact in organizational contexts. There have been many studies noting the potential of social media in the
workplace. For example, Jackson et al. (2007) studied internal corporate blog use in a global IT company, reporting
that blog users benefited through the formation of informal social networks, convenient communication and
knowledge transfer. Skeels and Grudin (2009) found that social network sites (SNSs) are widely adopted by Microsoft
staff.
Work-related advantages focus on strengthening professional and personal ties, promoting knowledge sharing and
resource locating. Prior studies have provided exploratory insights into the capability of social media. However, their
adoption in the workplace remains controversial. On the negative side, social media have gained the reputation of
reducing productivity and increasing disturbance. While previous research has predominantly focused on a specific
medium, the synthesized impact of social media has been ignored.
1.3 Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study is to examine the use of social networking in transmitting organizational values. Specifically
the study:
- To explore employers awareness and utilization of social networking
- To examine employers perception towards the use of social networking in transmitting organizational values
- To determine the impact of social networking in transmitting organizational values
- 1.4 Significance of the study
- This study will assess the role of social networking in transmitting organisational value. The study will be of great
benefits to corporate organisations because it will explore how organisational value helps the organisation in
achieving it goals. It will also be a useful research material to students and researchers in the field of social
networking. - 1. Study hypothesis
- The study hypothesis is:
HO1: social network does not contribute to organizational value
HO2: social network has no significant impact on organizational values transmission - 1. Scope and Limitations of the Study
- The study scope is limited to investigating the impact the use of social networking in transmitting organizational
values in Lagos state civil service. Limitation faced by the research was limited time and financial constraint - 1. Definition of Basic terminologies
- Sustenance: according to this study, means keeping alive, making organisational value evergreen to suit workplace
practices of Organisation.
Social networking: Social networking as operationalized refers to all the ways and methods in which persons
employ in the sharing of meaning and understanding, in relations to the sustenance of the organisational value of the
organisation. It could be through letters, memos, meetings etc. - 1. Organisation of study
- The study is grouped into five chapters. This chapter being the first gives an introduction to the study. Chapter two
gives a review of the related literature. Chapter three presents the research methodology; chapter four presents the
data impact as well as interpretation and discussion of the results. Chapter five gives a summary of findings and
recommendations.
THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING IN TRANSMITTING ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES