Social adoption is becoming more and more frequent as companies experience first hand the “blessing and the curse” of social networking while at work.  The benefits are numerous, including driving traffic to the companies sites and the viral impact that the web can create for sales and visibility.  However, on the heels of leaks, rumors and drama, many companies also recognize the need to include parameters around their associates activity during the work day.  Including “official company policies” around social networks.

For example, ESPN, who has many of it’s staffers tweeting off-air.  In a report by USA Today, reporter Michael Hiestand tells of their policy “Guidelines for Social Networking”.  The primary concern here is about the influence “negative” or inappropriate comments could have on the network. 

We learn a lesson here, if your company allows staffers to tweet, or represent your brand, then establish a best practice of having a clearly defined  social networking policy that includes the spirit of not saying anything in short sound bites on-line, that you wouldn’t say live.

Remember, social sites are growing as heightened staff engagement improves brand awareness on line and just makes your company seem, well, social.

Here are just two corporate policies that I found this morning, please submit other sites in the comments section:

BBC – Editorial Policy

IBM - IBM Social Computing Guidelines stipulates that they support the online activity but that associates have to take personal responsibility and be cognizant that the “company” expects them to behave properly.  Their policy really promotes their associates be trust agents.

One of IBMers’ core values is “trust and personal responsibility in all relationships.” As a company, IBM trusts—and expects—IBMers to exercise personal responsibility whenever they participate in social media. This includes not violating the trust of those with whom they are engaging.

What else would you add to a corporate social networking policy?