Antecedents of acceptance of social networking sites in retail franchise and restaurant businesses

The paper examines the antecedents of acceptance of social networking sites in retail franchise and restaurant businesses. The success of retail franchise and restaurant business oper-ators via social networking sites depends not only on organiza-tional benefits but also on their behavioral intentions of using it. Three hundred and twenty four samples collected from South Korean retail franchise and restaurant employees are analyzed using factor analysis, structural equation model techniques and one-way analysis of variance. The results of the study identify the three constructs of organizational benefits, perceived tangible assets and perceived intangible assets as for important ante-cedents to accept social networking sites for their business use. Moreover, higher position employees tend to have more favor-able perception of tangible assets and acceptance of social net-working sites for their business use

Social media use among NMMU students

This research provides insight into the use of social networks and social media by students at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The primary purpose of this research is to investigate student social media practices at NMMU to establish the reasons for students engaging in social media. A growing number of educators acknowledge the potential of social networking to (re)engage learners with their studies, while others fear that such practices compromise and disrupt student engagement with traditional education provision (Selwyn, 2009). This study, therefore, aims to identify how and for what reasons students use social networks and social media. This study attempts to provide answers to the following research questions: For which social networking sites do students register and actively engage in? What is the most popular social networking site for students? How often do students engage in social media practices? What is the main purpose for students engaging in social media practices? How do students gain access to social media? For what educational purposes can social media be used? For which business purposes can social media be used? Do students use social media to collaborate with peers and lecturers? Do students use social media to make buying decisions? The literature overview was conducted on social media and social networks from journals and books published between the periods 2003 to 2011 as the popularity of social media came to the forefront during this period. Topics researched included social networks and libraries, educational and business uses of social networking and social media. A quantitative study was considered to be most appropriate to conduct the research for this study; and non-probability sampling was the most appropriate given the size of the population and the nature of this research. xiv Students were invited to participate in the research by completing and submitting a survey questionnaire at the conclusion of their lectures in the second semester during the month of September. The data collected was then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to provide insight into student use of social media. The results would determine if relationships exist between the independent variables from the questionnaire, namely, age, gender, campus and course enrolment and the dependent factors, namely, usage, information exchange and security. This relationship would be determined for both the perceptions of social networking in general and the perceptions of NMMU social networking. These results are then used to identify further areas of research in the future. The majority of the population sample was between the ages of 17 and 21 and primarily females. The sample typically became aware of social media by means of word-of-mouth and accesses their social networking site/s more than five times a day. The main reason for registering and joining social networking sites was for social purposes. Furthermore, the sample used social networking sites for entertainment, social involvement, meeting new friends and maintaining relationships. The sample agreed that social networking makes information searching easier. The majority of the sample indicated that they were not registered on any NMMU Social Networking sites of the university or any faculty, department or unit social networking sites at the NMMU. However, it was clear that the majority of students was registered on social networking sites of some sort and would continue to use social networking and social media. The results from the study indicated that the mean value for the perceptions of social media in general were greater than that of the perceptions of NMMU social media in terms of usage. Likewise, the mean value for the perceptions of social networking in general was also greater than that of the perceptions of NMMU Social Networking for information exchange but the difference were very small. However, the mean value for the perceptions of NMMU Social Networking showed a greater mean value than that of the perceptions of social networking in general in terms of security. This means that respondents used social networking in general more than NMMU Social Networking. xv However, the respondents perceived NMMU Social Networking sites to be more secure than social networking sites in general. The results of this study could provide Higher Education Institutions in South Africa with the impetus to use social networks and social media to enhance students‟ learning experiences

Factors Influencing Perceptions Toward Social Networking Websites in China

Based on an online national survey of 503 respondents, this study empirically investigates factors influencing perceptions toward social networking websites (SNWs) in China. More specifically, user demographics and media\ud characteristics were examined. While income was found to be a significant predictor of users’ attitude toward SNWs, gender, age, educational level and marital status were insignificant, suggesting that demographic divides may be\ud diminishing when it comes to online social media in China. Both perceived risk and enjoyment were found to have significant positive effects. Managerial implications were discussed

Critical factors affecting consumer acceptance of online health communication: an application of service quality models

The paper examines critical factors affecting consumer behavioral intentions in accepting online health communication through social networking sites. Unlike recent research under this topic, the paper assimilates some components of service quality dimensions and consumer behavior theories. The paper employs factor analysis and structural equation modelling analysis with latent variables to identify critical factors from the survey data collected from Korean consumers. The results of the study identifies three major constructs: consumer needs for health information, the perceived value of tangible attributes of health information providers, and the perceived value of intangible attributes of health information providers. The results show that consumer needs for health information and the tangible and intangible attributes of health information providers should be considered as important antecedents of accepting online health communication through social networking sites. The findings suggest that the success of online health communication via social networking sites largely depends on the tangible and intangible attributes of health information providers

The use of social media in a B2B context

The advent of Web 2.0 has created new ways to communicate, collaborate and share content (Enders et al. 2008). Social media builds on the technological and ideological foundations of Web 2.0 (Kaplan and Haenlein 2010) and encompasses the “activities, practices, and behaviours among communities of people who gather online to share information, knowledge, and opinions using conversational media” (Safko and Brake 2009: 6). Social media, or otherwise ‘user-generated communication’, now represents a prevalent source of information; it has changed the tools and strategies companies use to communicate, highlighting that the information control now lies with the customer (Mangold & Faulds 2009). Despite the popularity of social media (SM) and in particular social networking sites (SNS), their importance in shaping commercial online interaction (Mislove et al. 2007) and their potential to support brands (Christodoulides 2009), research into SNS is very limited, and focuses largely on the consumer in a B2C domain. To date, there is paucity of systematic research on how SNS are used by companies, particularly B2B companies, and how they contribute to brand objectives. Anecdotal evidence (e.g. Shih 2009) suggests that SM is important for B2B companies. B2B companies can use SM and specifically SNS such as Facebook and LinkedIn to communicate with their customers and suppliers, build relationships and trust, as well as to identify prospective partners in terms of B2B selling (Shih, 2009). Recently, Michaelidou et al. (2011) examined the usage of SNS by B2B SMEs and identified a number of perceived benefits including attracting new customers, cultivating relationships, increasing awareness, communicating brands, receiving feedback and interacting with suppliers. Further, the adoption of SM by B2B sales forces has been found to improve sales processes and relationship sales performance (Rodriguez et al. 2012). This study builds on the limited literature on SM in a B2B context and aims to identify the extent of SNS usage, perceived benefits and barriers as well as common metrics used by B2B organisations

Peer mentoring in assisting retention – is a virtual form of support a viable alternative?

Support systems are vital for university entrants and one established means of support is peer mentoring, which has the potential to improve student engagement and retention. Peer mentoring models are generally based on face-to-face contact. However, given the increasing number of higher education institutions using social media, might online models be beneficial in a peer mentoring context? This article describes a literature review and case study that considers the advantages and disadvantages of three potential virtual models to facilitate a peer mentoring scheme. The case study, undertaken at Northumbria University, UK, involved an investigation of mentoring needs and current usage of electronic media where special attention is afforded to a diverse student body. The three models discussed are virtual learning environments (VLE), social networking sites and virtual worlds. We find that the VLE is established within institutions but lacks excitement; social networking is popular particularly with younger students but there may be resentment if this appears to be appropriated by the institution; whilst virtual worlds are unfamiliar to many students and require advanced skills to use successfully. Based on these findings the social networking model is now being run as a pilot study by business programmes at Northumbria University

Communication, collaboration and identity: factor analysis of academics’ perceptions of online networking

Since the advent of online social networking sites, much has been written about their potential for transforming academia, as communication and collaboration underpin many scholarly activities. However, the extent to which these benefits are being realised in practice is unclear. As the uptake of tools by academics continues to grow, there is a question as to whether differences exist in their use and if any patterns or underlying factors are at play. This article presents the results of an online survey addressing this gap. A disciplinary divide was evident in terms of preferred academic social networking platforms, while perceptions about how academics use online networking for different purposes are linked to job position. Exploratory factor analysis identified four components representing different strategies used by academics in their approaches to online networking, including maintaining a personal learning network, promoting the professional self, seeking and promoting publications, and advancing careers

Exploring the views of students on the use of Facebook in university teaching and learning

Facebook use among students is almost ubiquitous; however, its use for formal academic purposes remains contested. Through an online survey monitoring student use of module Facebook pages and focus groups, this study explores students’ current academic uses of Facebook and their views on using Facebook within university modules. Students reported using Facebook for academic purposes, notably peer–peer communication around group work and assessment – a use not always conceptualised by students as learning. Focus groups revealed that students are not ready or equipped for the collaborative style of learning envisaged by the tutor and see Facebook as their personal domain, within which they will discuss academic topics where they see a strong relevance and purpose, notably in connection with assessment. Students use Facebook for their own mutually defined purposes and a change in student mind- and skill-sets is required to appropriate the collaborative learning benefits of Facebook in formal educational contexts

Exploring the democratic potential of online social networking: The scope and limitations of e-participation

Copyright © 2012 by the Association for Information Systems.The availability and promise of social networking technologies with their perceived open philosophy has increasingly inspired citizens around the world to participate in political activity on the Web. Recent examples range from opposing public policies, such as government funding cuts, to organizing revolutionary social movements, such as those in the Middle East and North Africa. Although online spaces create remarkable opportunities for various forms of political action, there are concerns over the power of existing institutions to control and even censor such interaction spaces. The objective of this article is to draw together different insights on the online engagement phenomenon, highlighting both its potential and limitations as a mechanism for fostering democratic debate and influencing policy making. We examine recent examples from Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Finally, we summarize the implications of our work and outline directions for further research