Introduction

The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) aims to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all its students, faculty, management, all stakeholders and individual visitors who access its facilities and services. This applies to all environments including social media.

For the purposes of these guidelines, the term Social Media refers to online channels of communication that allow users to interact in the public domain by sharing information, opinions, knowledge and interest.

It includes, but is not limited to, social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, wikis and blogs.

IoBM has a number of official accounts on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube where the opinions expressed and information shared reflect the views of IoBM as a corporate body.

Purposes And Objectives

These guidelines are designed to provide advice and guidance to IoBM students and employees who are using (or considering using) social media in any capacity.

It has been compiled to assist students and employees to understand the reputational, legal and ethical implications of engaging in online communication of this nature, what can happen if social media is misused, and how to safeguard students’ and employees wellbeing, personal security, current/future career prospects and the reputation of IoBM.

Misuse of Social Media

• The Institute has the right to request the removal of content from an official social media account and from a personal account if it is deemed that the account or its submissions pose a risk to the reputation of the Institute or to that of one of its members.
• Students who post views, opinions or images online in breach of these Guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Prospective employers may troll social media sites as part of their selection process and the social media posts that you make could undermine your future employment prospects.

Staying Safe Online

• Only post what you would be happy for your parents, faculty and prospective employers to see/read
• Remember that everything your post online is public, even with the strictest privacy settings. Once something is posted online, it can be copied and redistributed, and it is easy to lose control of it. Presume that everything posted online will be permanent and shared
• Think before you send. Avoid posting anything when you are under the weather or feeling angry – you may regret it the next day but it could be viral by then
• Remember that what is a ‘joke’ to one person may feel like bullying and harassment to someone else. Institute of Business Management doesn’t tolerate bullying and harassment. If you feel bullied on-line, seek advice from the Proctor.
• Do not post things that may be considered offensive or make ‘joke’ threats.
• Ensure that you protect your personal information and that of others that could be misused (e.g. home address, telephone number, date of birth)
• Think about who you want to be able to see your information and set privacy settings accordingly. Remember that even with strict privacy settings, others can share your posts so you have no control over who sees them
• Don’t say or write anything that could have a negative impact on the reputation of anyone or any company. Any statement which could have a negative impact on a person (or business’) reputation could lead to accusations of libel / defamation and lawsuits
• Be very cautious about arranging to meet someone you only know on-line.

Principles