Lily Zhao
20467868
AFM 311 – TUT Section 104
Darren Charters
May 31, 2015
Social media is undoubtedly a huge part of people’s personal lives and from Facebook to Twitter and LinkedIn, it has also seeped its way into people’s professional lives. Facebook, for example, is used for both personal and business uses – connecting with friends and coworkers while promoting a business. Personal and business matters become one in social media platforms and it is often difficult for some to draw the line.
Allowing people to connect with one another online, to help people keep in touch with others in their personal lives whether they are related, childhood friends, or just met, has also transformed the way business professionals communicate. An ethical dilemma arises when one has to choose between maintaining professionalism and speaking, posting, or sharing freely at one’s own will. Should one be punished for speaking out on a topic that he or she cares very much about at a more personal level but may be contrary to the general public’s beliefs? Should he or she be punished for posting inappropriate content on her personal but public Twitter? Much of the content posted while social networking may have an impact on the person’s professional life and possibly even the company the individual is working for. Should
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Ziss in his article in the Pennsylvania CPA Journal, “Social Media Takes You to New Vistas, But Tread Carefully” recognizes that “social media are about connections” (Ziss, 2013, p.29) which is important to professionals, and more specifically discussed, CPAs. Not only can social media be used as tools for advertising products and enhancing customer service, it also gives professionals learning opportunities through “communicating, collaborating, and creating value” (Ziss, 2013, p.29) for them to improve business processes and reach more customers. Social media clearly adds value to companies as long as they keep the associated risks under