Social media influence in the workplace: Tool or toy

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore the vital functions social media have and the important influences they bring to the workplace, especially in China. Social media have been developing rapidly in recent decades with a huge number of Chinese users. As an effective platform for creativity and innovation, social media play a significant role in the recruitment and management of Chinese workplaces. Social media impact workplaces in many aspects, which including a company’s internal management and communication as well as the external connection with customers. By using pilot study to test the research question in advance, the research survey is able to be carried out among participants. The final survey data indicate that social media helps to strengthen organization management and influence the operating ways in terms of the employee recruitments, trainings, and workplace management, etc. This research paper explores the positive impacts that social media brings in organizations and draws a conclusion about the significant benefits of social media in the Chinese workplaces.