“The Power and Politics of Privacy on Social Networking Sites”
After you’ve read the case study “The Power and Politics of Privacy on Social Networking Sites”, please answer the following questions:
1. What is your opinion regarding these online privacy issues?
2. To what extent are you concerned about how your personal information on websites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Google is used?
3. Looking back at the section on “political influence tactics”, which tactics did Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg use after he changed the original terms of use in 2009?
4. Of the stakeholders listed in the last paragraph of the case, which group do you think is most powerful in terms of shaping the future direction of online privacy issues?
5. Assume that Zuckerberg has hired you as a consultant to help him address the situation. Describe the steps that you would take.
To answer these questions successfully, start by assessing group behavior within the organization, including positive traits of influence, leadership, power and politics, conflict management, feedback, and negotiations. Also, look for ways that political tactics influence organizational behavior.
After Mark Zuckerberg changed the original terms of use in 2009, some of the political influence tactics he employed included using social pressure to encourage users to accept changes due to their fear of missing out on important updates; offering incentives so people would agree with his new policy; presenting a false sense of urgency by implying that if they did not accept the policy quickly, they would suffer from unknown consequences later; and creating a crisis atmosphere by setting deadlines for acceptance in order to gain further control over user behavior.
I believe that consumers have the most power when it comes to shaping the future direction of online privacy issues because ultimately it will be up them to decide whether or not they want to continue engaging with these sites despite any potential risks associated with doing so. If enough people choose not to share their private data online then companies like Facebook will have no choice but adjust their policies accordingly.
If I were hired as a consultant for Mark Zuckerberg's team, I would first analyze what went wrong with his previous attempt at changing terms and conditions related to user privacy in order identify areas where improvements can be made in regards decision making processes and communication strategies going forward. After understanding what mistakes were made previously, I would create an action plan designed specifically around user feedback which takes into account all stakeholders involved while also highlighting any legal obligations needed in order meet certain regulations set forth by governments or governing bodies related technology and data usage/protection standards worldwide. Finally, after confirming that specific safeguards outlined by this plan are met upon implementation, ongoing reviews should take place periodically revisit existing issues ensure progress continues moving forward towards solutions that protect both businesses interests users’ rights simultaneously within digital space