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Browsing through Twitter earlier today, I came across a link to a report by Aragon Research that talks about why social networks are replacing intranets.
Interesting timing, since earlier this week I met with a group about to jump into an intranet type of website in an effort to standardize processes and procedures across a large company. This move is something the group has wanted to do for a number of years and they’re finally ready to light the fuse.
Carefully supporting their plan, my suggestion was to provide some means of feedback or opportunity for their users rather old model of static one-way delivery of information. Initially the suggestion was met with some hesitation including a comment along the lines of “we don’t want people posting negative comments on there.” Criticism is definitely hard to hear, specifically when you’ve put your efforts into something intended to improve an organization. But, the ability to do so is imperative and expected – especially in today’s age of constant connectivity. Fortunately, I think the group is going to provide a means for feedback and as a result will have an improved experience both directions.
Aragon’s report has concrete reasoning behind it’s argument that social networks like Yammer (my favorite) are replacing the one-way information devilry model. Definitely worth 10 minutes to read the report…and forward.
** UPDATE: just came across another article entitled “yammering during work makes good business sense“
