Contemporary Principles of Management

Read this section, which explains why managers need to be able to identify social and political trends. These trends significantly shape how a manager performs his or her tasks and often dictate the foundational success of an organization. This reading also covers the evolution of social networking, from its origins as a way for college students to connect, to its present-day role as a viable, effective, and efficient way for corporations to utilize the viral nature of the Internet as a marketing tool. As you read, consider how social networking has blurred the lines between personal, professional, and business activities. Consider both the advantages and disadvantages for businesses using social networking.