May 21, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--Twitter is more addictive than cigarettes or alcohol, according to a new study.
How much time do you spend playing on the job?
We're talking texting, tweeting and surfing the web.
And is that ethical?
A business ethics survey says no if you're spending more than 30% of your company's time on your stuff.
So we took a swipe at the study.
Here's what you had to say.
David Harrison says, "Every time I get, I'm always on Facebook."
David Harrison is all about keeping up with his friends even at work.
Harrison says, "I just peek at it. See what's going on if I miss anything I'll contact them when I get off or on break."
He's not unusual.
Smart phones, social networking sites and apps have changed the way we do business and our jobs.
So how much is too much?
A survey by Ethics Resource Center said if you're spending 30% of your work time social networking that's unethical.
And it's not just about time.
Half of social networkers say it's OK to keep a copy of confidential work documents, cop pricey software, even charge something to the company credit card and pay for it later.
6 months ago, East Tennessee Children's Hospital made the decision to block social networking sites.
Vice President of Human Resources at East Tennessee Children's Hospital Sue Wilburn says, "We had a number of managers who had to give corrective actions because employees were spending work time on those social networks."
Some businesses hire experts like Ken Shull to check out employees.
A former FBI agent, he owns Kendall Investigations.
He sees the link between social networking and unethical behavior.
Ken Shull says, "It's all that slippery slope.You start taking those first two steps knowing you're doing something you shouldn't be doing at work, then why can't you do this and this."
David Harrison says, "It doesn't apply to me. I know what's right or wrong. I know what to do. I handle it very well."
And responsible social networkers bring ethical positives for companies.
The survey shows they observe misconduct 18 percent more than other workers and when they do, they turn in the bad guys.
Wilburn says, "I'm amazed at how naive employees are that they don't think fellow employees share not only to fellow employees but to their bosses."
And how about talking about work online?
That's okay, as long as you don't defame, slander or give out confidential information.
Wilburn says, "I'm a user. It's amazing to me what some have lost their common sense what to post and what not to post."
Now, some of us tweet and Facebook as part of our jobs.
It's required.
But there's a difference between your professional role and the personal stuff.
So make sure you know it and stay ethical.
