Examining the Pros and Cons: Should Companies Access Prospective Employees' Social Media Profiles?
Module 4 - Case
PERSUASION AND BALANCE
Assignment Overview
This final case assignment will help you expand your critical thinking and debate skills. In the workplace, employees must often support a professional point of view that may be contrary to personal beliefs. This assignment challenges students to understand “both sides” of a business issue and to consider different points of view. Both sides of the argument should be equally powerful so that the reader is unaware of the position that you advocate personally.
Case Assignment
Many organizations require that a prospective employee allow access to social media by company representatives to follow. Some companies will be upfront and let the potential new hire know that it is a requirement. For this Module 4 Case Assignment, provide the following to persuade your audience if companies should or should not look at prospective employees’ social media profiles.
Use this attached APA 7th Assignment Template for this assignment.
Provide 3 examples of why companies should be allowed to view potential and current employees' social media accounts (cite sources to support argument).
Provide 3 examples of why companies should not be allowed to view potential and current employees' social media accounts (cite sources to support argument).
Conclude with your opinion on whether companies should or should not look at prospective employees’ social media profiles (2 to 3 paragraphs).
Case Assignment Expectations
The minimum length requirement for this Module SLP Assignment is 4 full pages (excluding Title and Reference pages). Include 3 scholarly sources.
Provide an APA-formatted title page. Use the APA 7th Assignment Template.
Include an introduction, a body using 3 scholarly sources cited to support your work, and a conclusion that aligns with your purpose statement, summarizes each section, and then wraps up into a final thought.
Provide an APA7-formatted References Page. See APA 7 “References” section.
Upload your paper to the Case Dropbox before the assignment due date.
Proofread your work.
Examining the Pros and Cons: Should Companies Access Prospective Employees' Social Media Profiles?
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Examining the Pros and Cons: Should Companies Access Prospective Employees' Social Media Profiles?
In the contemporary era characterized by the influence of digital technologies, social media is emerging as an intensive phenomenon deeply incorporated within human existence. Social media has transcended its initial purpose of connecting individuals across geographical boundaries and evolved into an indispensable platform for personal expression and the dissemination of information (Ewing et al., 2019). Consequently, this sweeping digital transformation has generated a controversial debate revolving around recruitment and employment: whether society should grant organizations access to the social media profiles of prospective employees or not. This case assignment aims to present arguments from both sides of the debate without revealing personal bias to foster an open discussion on this contentious issue.
Siding with Companies Looking at Prospective Employees' Social Media Profiles
Gaining Insight into Candidate's Character
Reviewing social media profiles can present crucial insights into a candidate's values and behavior outside of a professional setting. Monitoring employees' social media platforms allows employers to assess if the candidate's online presence aligns with the company's culture and values. For example, employers can identify whether candidates engage in discriminatory behavior or hold offensive views on social media. This information is crucial for maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment. According to a study conducted in 2013 by CareerBuilder, 57% of employers who reviewed social media profiles found content that led them not to hire a candidate due to discriminatory remarks or inappropriate behavior (Hartwell & Eggli, 2020). Social media profiling can provide valuable insights into an applicant's professionalism and help employers evaluate their fit within the organization's culture and values.
Verifying Candidate's Qualifications
Social media profiles can offer additional evidence to verify the qualifications and experiences listed on a candidate's resume. By closely following up on their workers' social media sites, employers can assess the authenticity of claims and evaluate the consistency of information provided. For instance, employers can look for projects or achievements shared on social media that support the candidate's claims of skills or expertise. A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey found that 70% of hiring teams believed social media screening helped them identify positive traits in candidates that supported their qualifications (Albert et al., 2019). Furthermore, employers can gauge candidates' industry involvement by examining their social media presence, including participation in professional groups, conferences, or relevant discussions.
Ensuring Cultural Fit
Understanding a candidate's social media presence can help evaluate their potential fit within the organization's culture. By reviewing their interests, affiliations, and interactions, employers can gauge if the candidate is likely to align with the company's values and work well with existing teams (Ruparel et al., 2020). Besides, social media screening enables employers to evaluate the cultural alignment of candidates, leading to better employee-job fit and increased job satisfaction. Through social media sites, employers can identify shared hobbies, interests, or community involvement on social media, which can contribute to team building and collaboration within the organization.
Arguing Against Companies Looking at Prospective Employees' Social Media Profiles
Invasion of Privacy
Accessing an individual's social media profiles can be perceived as an invasion of privacy. Personal social media posts may not be relevant to professional qualifications and can include information that candidates prefer to keep private. A good example is a study conducted by the Pew Resear...