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How The Misuse of Social Media May Potentially Damage Your Business Ethics and Reputation

Guest post by: Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Article Overview: Social media is becoming a primary communication vehicle. Yet, for some, this medium may be damaging their business ethics and reputation.

How The Misuse of Social Media May Potentially Damage Your Business Ethics and Reputation

When national tragedies strike such as the shooting incident in Tucson, AZ in January of 2011 or the airplane crash that took former Sen. Stevens’ life and the lives of several passengers in 2010, social media seems to bring out the worst and the best in individuals. To blame one person or to wish someone would die because you do not agree with his or her opinions is beyond belief and speaks to the lack of values and ethics.

Even though these are extreme examples, there are many others that can found every day. People take to making their lack of civil comments through social media because it becomes their own personal fog horn. In the process, they potentially defame and then attempt to engage those in their cross hairs into 140 characters or wall postings arguments.

What happened to that well known invention called the telephone or to send a private letter via U.S. mail with constructive remarks? And better yet, why not just agree to disagree? The world would be very boring if everyone agreed. However disagreement can be handled with respect without rancor and name calling.

Of course for some, outrageous comments are all about getting personal attention (their ego is in hyper drive) and thinking they can get away with it. Watch Congress any day of the week (both sides of the aisles) and listen to the live news feeds. Between all the miss information and downright lies, no wonder so many people are filled with such negativity. And the result is unfortunately this has found its way into the business market place through the vehicle we now call social media.

Positive ethics and values']);"> business ethics and values are still practiced by the many people in the marketplace. Unfortunately, the few who are uncivil continue to spoil it for the rest of us. The good news is their actions reveal their values and now identify them as individuals with whom you do not want to do business.

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Article Tags: business ethics, communication vehicle, reputation, social media



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