Communication Technology and Internal Organizational Communication Essay Example

not-for-profit organization as volunteers’ reflections are critical for organizational success.

As communication technology continually evolves, more and more organizations continually recognize the value of using social media sites for internal communication. As opposed to use of constant physical meetings, social media sites serve an effective means within organizations while sharing knowledge, encouraging teamwork as well as collaboration together with value add to the experience of an employee. Based on such effect, the use of Twitter, Facebook and blogs prove imperative for a not-for-profit organization that relies on volunteers. The platforms serve enable the staff to collaborate converse and also connect with each other while and the place of work and out of the place of work (Brooks).

One of the significant benefits associated with the use of the aforementioned platforms for internal communication relates to the fact that an organization manages to possess real-time, authentic communication with its internal members. While the aspect proves critical for every form of organization, it is more imperative for organizations that are not-for profit. That happens because in profit-making organizations, salaries and other forms of remuneration may serve as motivating factors for employees even where communication fails to happen constantly. Furthermore, fear of adverse consequences among employees working in a profit-making organization may serve as a driver to staff members towards accomplishing the set objectives (Bingham and Marcia 122).

However, the case is different with volunteering members as an organization must devise effective measures that not only help in sustaining the existing members, but equally in attracting others. The use of social media platforms within a not-for-profit organization signifies that every person is allowed to participate in organizational discussions thus allowing communication

to flow from all aspects. As such, it signifies that members within an organization manage to connect with each other and become involved in organizing activities irrespective of the positions and the nature of tasks held. Where people feet that they are part of an organization as a result of continuous involvement in organizational planning and decision-making, they perceive the organization goals as individual goals and thus strive towards accomplishing the assigned tasks and also show commitment in solving existing challenges.

Another significant benefit of using social media for internal communication within an organization refers to the ability of the platforms to enable organizational members to create their own community. Blogs are the most important sites in respect to the creation of members’ community where the use of posts and videos makes the process effective. Creation a community owned by members to an organization by the use of blogs and other social media platforms becomes more efficient where the idea is driven by the members as opposed by the executive. The process enables conversations to occur at the grassroots level where members exchange ideas and opinions regarding all the issues affecting the organization (Bingham and Marcia 137). Other than containing issues in a single department, the issues are brought to the attention of all members across the organizations.

According to Bingham and Marcia (122) when an issue is brought to the attention of all members, every person is presented with an opportunity to comment and give a personal view leading to an exchange of opinions and knowledge. Where an organization provides staff with an outlet for creative thinking, such an organization encourages the members to create personal

solutions to issues within the organization while equally promoting communication within the company.

Therefore, the use of such an approach not only enables organizational members to meet the specific goals of the organization at hand, but equally helps in developing creative thinking that leads to creativity and innovative practices in other fields. Since volunteer members will devote only two to three hours in a day, the knowledge gained from creative thinking will develop the volunteers to become industrious persons in other places of work.

The discussed social media platforms further prove critical for use within the organization in that they enhance extended communication. In a situation where members within an organization are scheduled for physical meetings to discuss organizational issues, communication is limited to such meetings. As such, where challenging issues may arise before a physical meeting is held, it may lead to devastating adverse effects (Bingham and Marcia 143). The damage caused by such delays in communication may prove irreversible, leading to organization failure. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that such inefficiencies are eliminated before they lead to adverse effects to an organization. Extended communication serves as one critical measure towards solving such issues. With the use of social media, it becomes easy for conversations to last indefinitely among members. As such, members are not required to engage in face-to-face meetings to discuss issues affecting the organization.

Furthermore, members may offer opinions and contributions at the they will as access other people comments and contributions may happen at any given time even at the comfort of bedside. As such, it is indicative that the discussions while using social media platforms remain continuously without the need

of booking meeting rooms. Another significant benefit that calls for the importance of using the three social media platforms for internal communication relates to the notion that it enhances appropriate communication among members.

Most people love social media and thus incorporating the platform will allow people to communicate in a platform that they enjoy and feel comfortable while sharing their views. Furthermore, it is imperative noting that some people lack the confidence of explaining and elaborating their points while using face-to-face communication. The use of social media in communication helps in eliminating such barriers as the tension associated with facing people are no longer experienced.

Although the provided recommendations portray a dire need to adopt the three social media platforms within the not-for-profit organization, putting in place the platforms without a social media policy may prove counter-effective. A social media policy is crucial in that it controls members against releasing private content regarding an organization by ignorance, negligence or other types of mistakes (Bingham and Marcia 148). Furthermore, the policy proves crucial in that it guides against the use of non-recommended language in among organization members using the platforms.

The social network policy that the organization needs to adopt in order to succeed in achieving its core objectives should focus on language of communication and release of private content to third parties. Members should receive a warning against releasing private information to non-members as it may lead to adverse effects to the organization. Consequently, while members are allowed to make contributions, authority should only come from those in positions of power. Every member should further observe and use English as the only official language of communication in the

social media platforms.

Works Cited

1. Bingham, Tony, and Marcia L. Conner. The New Social Learning: A Guide to Transforming Organizations Through Social Media. Alexandria: ASTD Press, 2010. Print, 121-149.
2. Brooks, Chad. "Social Media Proves Valuable for Internal Communication." Business News Daily. N.p., 24 May 2013. Web. 19 July 2016.