Blogs in the Workplace

Sometimes people feel freer to express themselves and the opinions that they hold when the lines of communication are not so formal. The use of blogs in organizations could help in reducing the formality of communication. People may feel that they are able to say more on a blog then they would be able to say in a meeting or even in a one on one conversation. A blog would also be a good place for people in the workplace to go to get updates on what is going on in and around the company. A boss could go into a blog and see what is happening rather than running around trying to find out information which may take a long time. The more time managers and employees can save the more work they can get done. It could also be helpful for each department to have their own blog where they could go to find out or add to information about what is going on that is specific to them. Although there are advantages that could result, disadvantages may be seen as well. Perhaps employees may want to use a blog to complain about certain issues or other employees. This could get out of hand. Employees and managers should have enough sense to know what is appropriate and and what should be dealth with in a more formal way. People using the blog need to be conscious that there are limits to what should and should not be said. People should not feel that they can abuse the right to say what they want if there is a chance that people could get hurt. I think that as long as people know that the blog is part of the organization and that organizations have a reputation to uphold, the potential of these blogs could be great.