The employee factor: perspectives on implementing enterprise social software. (2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Radi, Dania; Schlögl, Stephan; Leahr, Clint; Bernsteiner, Reinhard C.
• Is Part Of: International journal of Web engineering and technology. Volume 11:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 309
• Publication Date: 2016
• Subjects: enterprise social software -- ESS -- enterprise social networks -- software challenges -- software benefits -- information exchange -- knowledge transfer -- mixed research methodology -- questionnaire survey -- interview study -- employee attitudes -- employee requirements -- system implementation -- employee perspective -- employee perceptions -- communication strategy; World Wide Web -- Periodicals; Web site development -- Periodicals; Application software -- Development -- Periodicals; 006.7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-1289

Abstract

Implementation strategies for enterprise social software (ESS) often focus too much on technical details and thereby neglect the need for understanding the employee perspective. Yet, the success of an implementation usually depends on the employees' attitudes towards the offered solution. The purpose of this paper is therefore to explore respective attitudes and identify associated challenges. A mixed research methodology combining a questionnaire study and expert interviews was used to explore user perspectives as well as current implementation practices of ESS. The results show that employees see ESS usage largely positive. Perceived benefits include less e-mail traffic, easier collaboration, more accessible expert knowledge, and lower communication barriers. However, it was also found that employees may be seen as the main challenge factor impeding a successful ESS implementation. In particular security concerns, the lack of guidelines, and the often missing appreciation for some of the benefits, may require an adequate communication strategy.