| Collaborative Technologies
Both wikis and blogs are forms of open forum communication tools. A blog is a website or intranet where users can post chronological and up-to-date entries of their thoughts or other information. Blogs can be used for a range of purposes, from short updates to long, well articulated articles. There are many options to post blogs accessible to the public, such as Blogger.com, though most organizations that take advantage of internal blogging create their own capabilities on corporate intranets.
Wikis are similar to blogs in structure and logic, though anyone can edit, delete, or modify content, whereas blogs typically do not allow others to change the posted material. Organizations are using wikis that are supported in corporate intranets, such as JotSpot (www.jot.com), to ensure access security.
Forward thinking organizations consider employees to be their greatest resource and most valuable competitive advantage. Today organizations are facing complex issues, demanding cross-disciplinary expertise and collaboration. Collaboration technologies allow employees to share ideas and experiences and learn from one another. They also allow employees to post questions that will be read and answered by a number of their peers who have experience with the issue in question. Employees’ time is valuable and the wheel does not have to be re-invented when collaboration is involved. Also, employees who are geographically dispersed can stay in touch and feel more connected to each other.
The first questions organizations typically ask are in regard to the security of these types of communications. Especially when used in a corporate intranet behind firewalls, blogs and wikis can be very secure. Security depends on implementation, which should be considered before selecting a product. During implementation, boundaries should be discussed regarding what types of information are forbidden, such as confidential material and data. Policies should address any new technologies, and users should be reminded that all organizational policies still apply.
Depending on the organizational culture, creating a collaborative environment may not happen overnight. Individuals must have common goals and want to share and request information. Choosing a technology to promote collaboration before focusing on culture may lead to a failed effort. Blog and Wiki technology will enable peer-to-peer interactions, but the technology has to be embraced and understood to achieve that purpose.
Success in building a collaborative culture, especially when technology is involved, requires support from executives, IT, and change management specialists. Executives and respected members of the organization must support and actively promote the technology. Some organizations require employees to utilize all corporate technology, and even evaluate its usage in performance reviews. Remember that a culture of collaboration is not built by simply offering collaboration tools. Employers must commit time and resources to the process and the culture must be actively modeled and promoted.
Author: Robert Krajewski, Associate HR Business Partner, Helios HR
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Savvy organizations understand the critical importance of knowledge sharing across the enterprise. Those leveraging the information to their competitive advantage recognize the power of technology in enhancing employee collaboration. Organizations are adopting Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0 technologies, including blogs and wikis, to provide employees with an online platform to collaborate, expanding their means of communicating.| Issue 12 | December 2008 |
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