Q11-10 How Can IS That Blend Collaboration and Social Media Support Business Processes?

Question 1

How can IS that blend collaboration and social media support business processes?

Answer 1

By utilizing platforms like Reddit, WhatsApp, WeChat, and sharing economy apps like Uber and Airbnb to enhance collaboration and engagement.

Question 2

What is Reddit, and how does it function?

Answer 2

Reddit is a social news website based on crowdpolling and anonymous posting.

Users create content in subreddits, and posts are voted up or down to determine prominence.

Question 3

Why is Reddit attractive for discussions and news sharing?

Answer 3

Users appreciate its ability to break news anonymously, as contributors are often less cautious than traditional news sources.

Question 4

How can businesses use Reddit for promotion?

Answer 4

By encouraging fans to create subreddits and post about products authentically.

Businesses can also run promotions, contests, and deals in relevant subreddits.

Question 5

Why should businesses avoid directly promoting their products on Reddit?

Answer 5

Direct promotion by company representatives may appear inauthentic. Encouraging fan-based engagement is more effective.

Question 6

What is WhatsApp, and what features does it offer?

Answer 6

WhatsApp is a cross-platform social messaging app for making calls, sharing texts, videos, images, and documents, and displaying user location in encrypted chats.

Question 7

How can businesses use WhatsApp to support processes?

Answer 7

Post how-to videos and FAQs.
Provide real-time customer service.

Share promotions, live events, and demos.

Enable appointments, delay notifications, and customer support.

Book tables and notify police or buses.

Question 8

What other messaging apps offer similar features to WhatsApp?

Answer 8

WeChat and Facebook Messenger also provide comparable social messaging capabilities.

Question 9

What is the sharing economy?

Answer 9

The sharing economy enables peer-to-peer exchanges through online communities where individuals can rent assets or obtain services offered by others, such as Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb.

Question 10

What are key characteristics of the sharing economy?

Answer 10

Peer-to-peer interactions.

Built on trust between parties.

Operates online through digital platforms.

Question 11

What is collaborative consumption in the sharing economy?

Answer 11

Collaborative consumption refers to mutual access to products and services, reducing exclusive ownership and promoting efficient use of underused resources, like cars.

Question 12

Why is collaborative consumption effective?

Answer 12

It reduces underuse (e.g., average cars are unused 92% of the time).

It provides flexibility and control for participants.

It increases demand for services, as seen with Uber and Lyft.

Question 13

How do sharing economy firms build trust?

Answer 13

By using information systems to gather and share data, such as photos, customer details, and ratings, fostering reliability and positive behavior.

Question 14

Why are ratings important in the sharing economy?

Answer 14

Positive ratings build trust and encourage better behavior, such as courteous Uber drivers or Airbnb travelers being more considerate.

Question 15

How do trust and information systems contribute to the success of the sharing economy?

Answer 15

They ensure reliability, low switching costs, and access to resources, enabling seamless transactions between buyers and sellers.

Question 16

What ethical concerns arise with “stretching the truth” in personal social media marketing?

Answer 16

Presenting an unrealistic or overly positive image of oneself, such as photos implying frequent interactions with popular people, raises questions of authenticity and integrity.

Question 17

Why is it important to distinguish between personal and business ethics on social media?

Answer 17

Personal use may not impact others significantly, but in business, deceptive practices can mislead stakeholders, harm trust, and have legal or reputational consequences.

Question 18

Is it ethical to encourage employees to write positive reviews about the company using the categorical imperative?

Answer 18

No, because it involves dishonesty and creates false perceptions, which cannot be universally accepted.

Question 19

Does asking employees to use non-work emails to write reviews change the ethical assessment?

Answer 19

No, the deceptive intent remains the same under both the categorical imperative and utilitarianism.

Question 20

If an employee’s independent action (e.g., hosting a party to recruit clients) leads to harm, should the company be accountable?

Answer 20

It depends on whether the company encouraged such behavior explicitly or failed to set boundaries for employee actions.

Question 21

Does the company’s knowledge of the employee’s actions affect accountability?

Answer 21

Yes, knowing about the presentation implies a degree of responsibility. Lack of oversight could also imply negligence.

Question 22

In the food poisoning scenario, is it ethical to delete the negative review under the categorical imperative?

Answer 22

No, because removing truthful feedback undermines honesty and transparency.

Question 23

Is deleting the negative review ethical under utilitarianism?

Answer 23

No, as it sacrifices broader customer trust and credibility for short-term benefits.

Question 24

What ethical principles should guide the use of social media in business?

Answer 24

Transparency: Be truthful and clear in all communication.

Responsibility: Avoid misleading or deceptive practices.

Accountability: Address harm caused by actions or content.

Trust: Foster credibility and authentic relationships.

Respect: Value user contributions without manipulation.