Engaging Employees Through Communication: Workplace Relationships, Facebook, and Organizational Identification

• In Event: B.E.S.T.: Networks and Social Media

Abstract

This study examined the ways employee interaction in the context of peer relationships and organizational Facebook pages function to connect employees to the larger organization in the form of organizational identification. Results indicate that close friendships and employee interaction with their company’s Facebook page are linked to higher levels of organizational identification and bridging social capital. Moreover, bridging social capital mediates the correlations between peer relationships and Facebook use, demonstrating that workplace relationships (in particular, close workplace friendships) and company Facebook pages function as “bridges” between employees and the larger and more abstract “organization.” Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Author

• Patricia M. Sias, University of Arizona