ethics in social media and social networking

Social media is online world where we interact and communicate with one another via a number of different ways. The most commonly used are blogs and social networks. However simply you are communicating without direct contact, is not an excuse for unethical behaviour. The most common unethical behaviour that occurs and does not respect other peoples privacy, is the use of spam mail. Another vent that occurs is when companies frequently act unprofessionally and lie to gain more profile views and awareness for their business, this is hugely unprofessional and several organisations think they can act this way simply because their customers are not in direct contact. This is closely related to companies publishing lies and fraudelent reviews of  themselves. This is unethical and may damage a companys reputation. Burger King is a company who used Facebook to create awareness and business but ultimately abused the situation by damaging the relationship between the two giants. That was unethical and not professional at all. Social media can be greatly and grossly misused, as it is relatively easy to attract a large customer following and supply false promises, false hope and grossly mislead them. Ethics is also important for employees of the business and professional people in general as when you are using social networks and have your own profile and pictures- you don't want those pictures of your latest stag or hen party to come back and haunt you when your company does a routine check up! Most companies are now enforcing strict social media policies to enforce disciplinary action if social media misuse brings the company into disrespute. PWC the accounting firm made national news when it emerged when a number of their male employees were using social media to email each other and rate their female co-workers on their looks. Social networking has faced controversy for their privacy policies that means it is easier to share and communicate but leaves children and teenagers exposed to predators. Tagged, one of the lesser known social network companies faced controversy when a 32 year old man contacted a 14 year old girl through the site and raped her- he also had over a hundred girls the same as friends, also very accesible and vulnerable. In brief Social Media is very useful tool for communicating and marketing, however if not properly regulated and controlled- it can be misused with sometimes terrible consequences.

Sources www.socialmediaexplorer.com
              www.theguardian.co.uk

Philips considering their options

Philips the worlds largest lighting and hospital equipment maker are said to be considering their options following poor sales and growth over the last 2 years and a failure to compete with the asian Giants who are more cheaper and efficient. Philips are negotiating a sale of their Television business to Hong Kong based electronics giant TVP. They are also announcing a wide range of cuts across employees and manafacturing in an attempt to boost business. Ever since 2008, Philips have struggled due to the economic downturn.

Sources www.irishtimes.com

Luxury groups beating the trend!

LVMH posted forecast beating sales today for the 3rd quarter of 2011, surprising the retail world who expected a downturn in the luxury goods market with the global economic downturn. British Luxury goods maker Burberry also announced strong sales in their recent quarterly report. It is believed growth in the Chinese market may have assisted in the growth of the Luxury market.

Aer Lingus shares are flying up and up!

Following recent rumours that Etihad airways are interested in buying the Irish governments, Aer lingus shares have risen by 11.7% in the last 24 hours. It is believed Etihad are interested in attempting to break into the european market as Aer Lingus have several number of slots across europe, primarily in the U.K. The sale will bring revenue to the government as well as supply more jobs.

Sources Http://www.irishtimes.com

Update on Musgrave takeover of Superquinn

Hey all
I just thought id give you  an update on the takeover of Superquinn by Musgrave.

Superquinns new owners have announced the stabilisation of their purchase of Superquin. Musgrave have appointed Tim Kenny,the former director of business development and Finance as managing director of the new arm, with the primary aim to "establishing the new division as well as the intregartaion of the Superquinn business into the wider Musgrave Group". there are no plans for job cuts or store closures. Superquinn have retained all terms and closures from their previous employers. Great news for both groups and the retail industry.



Sources http://www.irishindependant.ie/

Good News For Shoppers!

The Quays shopping centre in Newry has annopunced a £35 million expansion that will include 600 new parking spaces. The Developer is Northren Ireland property business Parker Green, The director is Gerard o'Hare, who announced the expansion to combat the recent annual report which highlighted a 10% downturn in business. The expansion will create 200 jobs and 300 retail jobs. Excellent for both sectors!

Sources
http://www.irishindependant.ie/

CityPost to withdraw false claims!

Today Independant City Delivery company CityPost has had to withdraw its advertisments that its services were 20% cheaper than An Post following two complaints by the State owned company. The complaints were upheld by the ASAI ( Advertising Standard Association of Ireland). The ASAI ruked that CityPost could not provide substance to their advertisments.

Sources- http://www.theirishtimes.com/  http://www.googleimages.com/

Aer Lingus still flying strong!

Aer Lingus has recorded a nearly 3pc increase in passengers in September- The biggest improvement was regional routes which increased by 45%, this is good news for the company who has faced strong competition from budget airline Ryanair for the last number of years.

Sources

http://www.irishindependant.ie/

Services sector continues to grow!

The Irish services recieved a welcome boost when the monthly business activity recorded an expansion of 0.2%. The main factor in this growth was the technology sector which continues to expand.The september reading also showed an overall increase in exports. This will hopefully lead to an overall boost for the flagging economy.

sources: www.Irishtimes.com