The effect of online social networking on employee productivity within a tertiary education institution

M PhilSince the establishment of the Internet, innovative technologies have evolved rapidly and 'social networking' technologies specifically have gained value from the recent surge in popularity and increased use of these networked technologies. The exposure and growth that social networking technologies have experienced in recent history has created a phenomenal following by individuals from diverse walks of life. However, the negative press that currently surrounds online social networks is ardent and in some cases valid, overshadowing the opportunities that Online Social Networking may present to organisations. The focus of this study fell on the possible effect of employee participation in Online Social Networking on productivity. In current workplaces that rely on intellectual capital to be successful in business, employees are a key source of knowledge and mainly responsible for intellectual capital growth. It was therefore argued in this study that organisations should critically investigate the relevance of collaborative technology such as online social networking in order to support employees in the processes required for knowledge creation. This study provided an overview of the literature review findings as well as the relevant empirical research findings with regard to what Online Social Networking entails; what the possible consequences could be if employees were allowed access to online social networks without restriction; and how online social networks could contribute to the productivity of an organisation. This study aimed to serve as a foundation on which the University of Johannesburg could build a strategy that aspired to incorporate online social networking within this institution, in order to promote a knowledge sharing culture