- Image by loscuadernosdejulia via Flickr
Social technology on the Internet has done much more than create new modes of socializing. Most significantly is the increase in collaboration in business and in the workplace. Reports have shown that 65% of organizations have some kind of social technology set up for communication and project sharing within and without the company. The Internet’s ability to exchange information is expanded with social technology, and once incorporated into an organization, creates an encouraging environment for collaboration between individuals of all divisions.
With the recession still keeping markets at a stand still and budgets shrinking, companies have started to look inward for new ideas and inspiration. It is of course common business knowledge that new ideas lead to greater financial gain. What better tool to accomplish this than with social technology readily available off the Internet, which is generally free? New workers are coming into the workforce with social technology skills already in hand from years experience on the Internet.
The Internet’s social technology is only going to gain traction in the sector of innovation, mainly because it embodies the key principals of invention. First of all, it raises awareness by making information available to all interested parties at the same time. There is no bureaucracy the information has to be channeled through. Which brings us to the important principal of inclusion. In a company, all employees become a piece of the network. In addition, work on the Internet is relatively free of rules letting dialogue proceed with differing opinions and without censorship.
However, the greatest effect of social technology on the Internet is on individuals who are the ones that really spur innovation. It builds confidence in employees by eliminating the fear of overstepping boundaries and instead lets employees throw around potentially creative solutions they may not feel comfortable discussing in a normal work environment. Once company members start increasing the flow of ideas, they increase the greater chance of innovation.
