Digital Etiquette
Learning Objectives
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
A. Explain the element of digital etiquette.
B. Identify an example of Human Resources practices being impacted by digital etiquette.
C. Explain a strategy that Human Resource professionals could used to deal with the digital etiquette issue.
Overview of Digital Etiquette
Digital etiquette is the element that is deals with how we and others should conduct themselves when using technology (Ribble, 2015). This may include the use of social media, emails, smartphones, or tablets. We need to be aware of how we use technology and for what reason. If we do notice we are not behaving up to par then we need to be mindful of why and how we can change our behaviors. We need to do this in every role we may be in, such as manager, employee, friend, family member, volunteer, student, or teacher. Further, we need to try to understand the behaviors of others. This may lead to potential conflicts as etiquette is not set in stone but often times is based on one's opinion of what is right or wrong. Therefore, often you may see that companies or institutions will implement a code of conduct to help standardize expectations across their workforce.
Connections to Digital Citizenship Theme
In the field of Human Resource Management (HRM), the element of digital etiquette should be a consideration when developing your HRM practices. Digital etiquette stems across various HRM issues, such as using email in a professional manner or posting comments about the company or peers, so having a code of conduct is a good starting place in any organization. However, there are some issues that are more serious that demand its own attention and policies. One such problem is online harassment.
Forty percent of adults Internet users have experienced some form of online harassment. This comes in many forms: offensive names, threatened, stalked, embarrassed on purpose, or sexually harassed (Drake, 2015). This is a gray area where often times the application of existing laws are difficulty in the online environment. Therefore, HRM professional need to be proactive on this front and establish anti-harassment policies that are very clear in their nature and include coverage of online activities. This can provide ease of mind in the workplace for many, especially where the natural expectation is that everyone would act in a professional manner.
Forty percent of adults Internet users have experienced some form of online harassment. This comes in many forms: offensive names, threatened, stalked, embarrassed on purpose, or sexually harassed (Drake, 2015). This is a gray area where often times the application of existing laws are difficulty in the online environment. Therefore, HRM professional need to be proactive on this front and establish anti-harassment policies that are very clear in their nature and include coverage of online activities. This can provide ease of mind in the workplace for many, especially where the natural expectation is that everyone would act in a professional manner.
NPR Radio Audio Broadcasts
The following are podcasts from NPR that highlight several of the issues you just read about regarding digital etiquette and the impact on HR professionals.
NPR Broadcast #1
Headline: Twitter Critics Say it's Not Sensitive Enough to Cyberbullying
Published date: December 13, 2013
Time length: 3:28
The Link to the transcript is below:
Published date: December 13, 2013
Time length: 3:28
The Link to the transcript is below:
Summary of NPR Broadcast #1
This podcast discusses how many are complaining that Twitter is not doing enough to protect those being cyberbullied and they are not listening to their female users. Twitter had made some changes to their policy but rescinded them a day later.
This podcast discusses how many are complaining that Twitter is not doing enough to protect those being cyberbullied and they are not listening to their female users. Twitter had made some changes to their policy but rescinded them a day later.
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NPR Broadcast #2
Headline: Harassment Woman Faced Before Her Death Underscores Rampant Sexism in Firefighter Culture
Published date: April 30, 2016
Time length: 4:22
The Link to the transcript is below
Published date: April 30, 2016
Time length: 4:22
The Link to the transcript is below
Summary of NPR Broadcast #2
This podcast describes how a female firefighter was cyber-bullied based on her professional choice. Unfortunately, it is believed this did contribute to her ultimate suicide.
This podcast describes how a female firefighter was cyber-bullied based on her professional choice. Unfortunately, it is believed this did contribute to her ultimate suicide.
References
Drake, B. (2015). The darkest side of online harassment: Menacing behaviors. Retrieved May 12, 2017 from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/06/01/the-darkest-side-of-online-harassment-menacing-behavior/
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know (3rd ed.). Eugene, Oregon: International Society for Technology in Education.
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know (3rd ed.). Eugene, Oregon: International Society for Technology in Education.