After reading Irene's post: Social Networking: A new PR tool, I did some research of my own and found an article discussing Facebook. In the article "Facing up to Facebook", Stewart Kirkpatrick, a digital content consultant states, "using social networking tools or blogs actually makes employees better communicators". Kirkpatrick further reveals, "through these activities they (employees) are more likely to come across intelligence that could be to their employer's benefit". Kirkpatrick then argues the point that "staff who use the full gamut of online options are more valuable assets than those who do not". While I see merit in Kirkpatrick's statement, I would disagree that online communication equates to better communicators. Maybe when he uses the work communication, Kirkpatrick is talking about written communication. Just because someone can use Facebook, doesn't mean they have the interpersonal skills to connect to clients and work with other employees. His comment about staff being more valuable if they use the full gamut of online options is another issue that I have to disagree with. While the online systems are a valuable component in today's society. It is not the only quality an employee must possess to be an asset to the company. Even though the article does not distinguish between different professions, I feel that a PR professional must acquire many different types of skills to be an asset to a company. Even with the technology influence on the profession, interpersonal communication is a quality that cannot be overlooked.
4 comments:
I agree with you that a PR practitioner or anyone working with communications must, or at least should try to be versatile and able to handle both online social networking as well interpersonal communication.
I though an interesting aspect which the article brought up was the importance of managing one’s privacy online: “Director Mhairi Preston says the internet makes it very easy to find background information about prospective employees and some employers now use this as an additional check on top of references.”
The employer wants you to have the social networking communication skills, but might also use any information in connection with that against you; such as indecent photos, having put ‘socialist’ as one’s political views etc. Making sure that only the people you want to see your information on such sites as facebook sees it, is fairly easy. Still many do not bother or even realize that they should do it. I think they would change their mind if they knew the future boss was seeing the ‘hilarious’ pictures from last weekend.
I read your post and your opinion in what skills are needed for being a beter communicator. In my opinion, the truth lies somewhere in between. As technology evolves the communication tools are changing too, and it seems that a PR person's ability to charm publics with just his intepersonal skills, is not enough. Clients want quick results, massive distribution of the messages and measurable outcomes and it seems that techological advancements such as: blogs, social networks etc., can actually contribute in dealing with these demands.
So, I would say that social networking and intepersonal communication skills are both important for someone working with communications.
Good points Mattias,
Sorry for the late response. I feel as though people need to reflect on what they post and how they are perceived on the internet. If they wouldn't want their parents or boss to see it then maybe they shouldn't put it on the internet. This does not mean one can not post pictures and information on the internet...discretion is the key!
I agree with your idea to incorporate social networking skills or even technology skills with interpersonal skills Irene. Technology seems to be impacting the PR environment on a growing basis. If personal and agencies are interested in being on the cutting edge, they will need to keep abreast of the current technological advances and tools. That being said, I feel there is no substitute to those who posses excellent interpersonal skills. As you mentioned, the combination of the two can be very powerful!
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