According to Reece and Reece (2017), “In the age of information, the problem is not access to information; it is assimilating the massive amount of information we experience daily. Rapid advances in digital technologies, mobile devices apps, and social medial networks facilitate the ability to communicate in multiple ways, wherever and whenever we want. The stream of information is constant. Its usefulness and effectiveness are not driven so much by ongoing advances in technology, but by each individual’s ability to filter, manage, and respond to the steady onslaught of information and communication. Effective communication, both personal and organizational, still depends on the human aspect of interactions. This has made personal and organizational communication skills more important than ever (p. 25)”.
Select and answer one of the following questions. Included in your response, you will need to add at least 2 examples in which social media influenced an organization’s decision-making. You will need to include this as part 2 of your response
Question 1 - Do you agree with this statement? Why or Why Not? What role does assimilating a massive amount of information and advances in technology play in the decision-making process?
Human Relations
Full Answer Section
- Information Overload: The constant barrage of information can be overwhelming, leading to decision fatigue and difficulty focusing on the most relevant details.
- Confirmation Bias: Social media algorithms can create echo chambers, feeding us information that confirms our existing beliefs and making it harder to consider alternative perspectives.
Technology plays a significant role in the decision-making process by:
- Providing data and insights: Data analytics tools can help us identify trends, understand customer preferences, and make data-driven decisions.
- Facilitating communication: Technology allows for real-time communication, collaboration, and information sharing, which can improve decision-making processes.
- Automating tasks: Technology can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for critical thinking and strategic decision-making.
However, technology is just a tool. Assimilation skills are essential to leverage its benefits:
- Critical thinking: Evaluating information objectively, considering different perspectives, and identifying potential biases.
- Information filtering: Learning to prioritize reliable sources and develop strategies to manage information overload.
- Communication and collaboration: Effectively communicating complex information and collaborating with others to make informed decisions.
Social Media's Impact on Organizational Decision-Making (2 Examples)
Social media has become a powerful force that can influence an organization's decisions in several ways:
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Customer Feedback and Brand Reputation: Companies can leverage social media to gather real-time customer feedback on products, services, and marketing campaigns. This feedback can inform product development, marketing strategies, and customer service decisions.
- Example 1: United Airlines Twitter Fiasco: In 2017, a passenger was forcibly dragged off a United Airlines flight, sparking outrage on social media. The negative publicity went viral, causing significant damage to the airline's brand reputation. United's slow and insensitive initial response on social media further amplified the crisis. This incident highlights the power of social media to influence public perception and force companies to make swift decisions to address negative situations.
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Public Relations and Crisis Management: Social media can be a valuable tool for managing public relations and crisis situations. Organizations can use social media to communicate with stakeholders, provide updates, and address concerns during a crisis.
- Example 2: Chipotle's Food Safety Issues: In 2015, Chipotle experienced a series of foodborne illness outbreaks. The company used social media to communicate with customers, apologize for the incidents, and outline the steps being taken to improve food safety. Their transparency and proactive communication on social media helped to mitigate the damage to their brand reputation.
These examples illustrate how social media can be a double-edged sword. It can be a valuable source of information and a platform for communication, but it can also create pressure and force organizations to make quick decisions based on public sentiment. Organizations must be prepared to navigate the complexities of social media and use it strategically to inform their decision-making processes.
Sample Answer
I agree with Reece and Reece's (2017) statement. In today's digital age, the challenge lies not in finding information, but in effectively assimilating the vast amount we encounter daily. While advancements in technology and social media have made information more accessible and communication more instantaneous, they have also created an information overload that can hinder effective decision-making.
Here's why assimilating information is crucial:
- Information Quality: The internet is flooded with information of varying quality. The ability to critically evaluate sources, distinguish fact from opinion, and identify bias is essential for making sound decisions.