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Designing social media policy for government

Abstract

Introduction

Social Media Use in Government

Eight Essential Elements

Getting Started: Designing a social media policy

APPENDIX A: Methodology

APPENDIX B: Table of Social Media Policies and Guidelines (International and Federal)

APPENDIX B: Table of Social Media Policies and Guidelines (State and Local)

APPENDIX C: Table of reviewed documents by issue areas (International and Federal)

APPENDIX C: Table of reviewed documents by issue areas (State and Local)
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Eight Essential Elements

4. Employee Conduct

In general, professional employee conduct is already governed by policies such as an ethical code of conduct that addresses what is “right” and “wrong” in terms of employees’ behavior, and sets out the consequences should a violation occur. Twenty-one of the reviewed policies addressed employee conduct in their professional capacity, with the majority of them referencing existing policies by either using direct quotes or simply providing links or reference numbers on where to look further.

In addition to a standard conduct code that addresses things such as racially offensive language, some of the policies do address issues more specific to social media, including respecting the rules of the venue, striving for transparency and openness in interactions, and being respectful in all online interactions. Other policies expressed an expectation of "trust" that employees will provide professional-level comments or content whether in their professional or personal lives.

None of the policies reviewed directly address the consequences of inappropriate conduct on personal social media sites. However, outlining which aspects are simply recommendations for personal behavior and which ones are potential grounds for dismissal might be useful for employees and their managers trying to navigate and define the parameters of the personal/professional divide.

Sample language outlining employee conduct expectations when using social media

"A summary of the key points of ethical Social Media conduct are reproduced below:
  1. Customer protection and respect are paramount.
  2. We will use every effort to keep our interactions factual and accurate.
  3. We will strive for transparency and openness in our interactions and will never seek to “spin” information for our benefit.
  4. We will provide links to credible sources of information to support our interactions, when possible.
  5. We will publicly correct any information we have communicated that is later found to be in error.
  6. We are honest about our relationship, opinions, and identity.
  7. We respect the rules of the venue.
  8. We protect privacy and permissions."
~State of Delaware

Sample language describing standards for content created by individuals using professional accounts

“[The] lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred. By identifying yourself as a State employee, you are creating perceptions about your expertise and about the State by legislative stakeholders, customers, business partners and the general public…Be sure that all content associated with you is consistent with your work and with the State’s values and professional standards.”

~State of Utah