The impact of social networks policy within the South African government departments

Abstract

When it comes to social networks utilisation, the bottom line tools needed to successfully represent themselves and the business, within the rules set and in compliance with the law. The aim of the research paper is to identify the social networks policy gaps in the South African government department. The study was conducted in five (5) national government departments in South Africa. A qualitative, interpretive research method was used. The interpretative method allowed the researcher to have a deeper sense of making of the qualitative data. Face to face semi-structure open-ended interviews were used to collect data. A total of seventeen (17) directors and deputy directors were interviewed from the five National departments. The analysis and interpretation of empirical data indicated that disclaimer must be put in place as one of social network standard code of conduct, however this should not replace social network policy, furthermore the analysis indicated that social networks should also be included in the employment of agreement which will compel all employees to behave accordingly when using social networks during working hours even outside working hours. It is critical that regulatory policies governing the use of technology be in place. There few social networks gabs identified in the standardised government codes of conduct and performance of agreement. In some department policies are non-existent and this has led to some government departments practicing as they deem fit. Though social networks platforms are still new in the public sector, it is recommended that government implement policies and procedures for social networks uses and that employees should agree to the terms and condition prior using social networks platforms, so that they can be held accountable for unacceptable behaviour not the government.

To cite: Moloto, A.N., Mkhomazi, Sh. & Worku, Z. (2020). The impact of social networks policy within the South African government departments. Journal of Management &Administration (2020/2), 107–122. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-jomad-v2020-n2-a10