IT managers see social media benefits

In one of my first blog posts, back in July last year, I bemoaned the negative attitudes towards social media displayed by so many public sector organisations.

Public organisations are so well placed to benefit from the ability of social media to help increase their accountability and engage with their various publics, yet many seem to dig their heels in.  In my experience the resistance comes most often from IT managers.

So I noted with interest a recent report from Socitm, the society of public sector IT managers, calling for its members to lead their organisations in embracing social media.

The report found that many councils currently take a cautious view of social media, with some 90% restricting access in some way. Two thirds have a total ban on staff use of social media, enforced either through policy or by a software block.

In contrast, the report points out, a survey by Reed suggests only 20% of private organisations block access.

The report argues, quite rightly, that social media may help address looming budget issues by providing economical ways of engaging citizens, delivering services, and by empowering and supporting employees.

So, if you’re struggling to implement an enlightened social media strategy in your organisation, you may want to deploy this report as another weapon in your armoury.