A British think-tank says bosses should not stop their staff from using social networking sites because they could actually benefit their organizations. 

Citing such social networks as Facebook and MySpace, the report by Demos said encouraging employees to use networking technologies to build relationships and closer links with colleagues and customers could help businesses rather than damage them.

Reason simply, online social networking encourages productivity, innovation and democratic working¹. 

The report also cited that practical guidelines need to be developed to limit non-work usage (ala excessive usage). Moreover, the report points out that the value of networking within an economic downturn is perhaps more important than ever. 

(¹Source: BBC News)

Related Links:

Social Networking a Job Asset by Denise Deveau

Social Networking Can Boost Your Business by Denice MacDonald

Best,

Denice MacDonald