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This exploratory study focuses on the Philippine government's response to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress, especially those in the Middle East, using social media platforms. It examines the level of social media adoption by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in protecting Filipino nationals abroad. The popularity of social networking sites among Filipinos, including DFA officials and staff, played a vital role in influencing the institution's move toward social media adoption. Key informant interviews were conducted with 10 officials, case officers, and staff at the DFA home office and Foreign Service Posts in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from June to July 2019. While Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be effective tools for speedy communication between the DFA and OFWs, the DFA faces several challenges such as budgetary constraints, lack of human resources with ICT skills, and verifying reports, among others. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the indispensable role of social media platforms in communicating with OFWs and in extending assistance to those in distress. Hence, the DFA may consider the formulation of an agency-wide social media strategy and collaboration with other migration authorities on social media-anchored projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has proliferated into the everyday life of Vietnamese people. As a result, in the past years, Vietnam has seen many organizational crises that started on this platform. Social media has proven to be able to foster crises, thanks to open platforms that allow for relatively free discussion among strangers with common interests. Nonetheless, Vietnamese organizations have often ignored or underutilized these channels in their crisis communication efforts. Organizations prioritize using traditional media in their crisis communication efforts and paid little to no attention to social media outlets, even if the crisis had started on social media channels. Through a survey with experienced Vietnamese PR practitioners, this research aims to understand this trend of crisis management and explore the perception of Vietnamese organizations toward the use of social media in crisis communication. Bahasa Indonesia Abstrak: Media sosial telah menjamur ke dalam kehidupan sehari-hari rakyat di Vietnam. Akibatnya, dalam beberapa tahun terakhir, Vietnam telah melihat banyak krisis organisasi yang dimulai pada platform ini. Media sosial telah terbukti mampu menumbuhkan krisis, berkat platform terbuka yang memungkinkan diskusi bebas untuk kepentingan bersama. Meskipun demikian, organisasi di Vietnam sering mengabaikan atau kurang memanfaatkan saluran-saluran ini dalam upaya krisis komunikasi yang mereka alami. Organisasi lebih memprioritaskan menggunakan media tradisional dalam upaya menanggulangi krisis komunikasi mereka dan sedikit memberikan perhatian kepada outlet media sosial, bahkan jika krisis telah dimulai pada saluran media sosial. Melalui survei yang dilakukan oleh praktisi PR di Vietnam yang berpengalaman, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami tren manajemen krisis ini dan mengeksplorasi persepsi organisasi di Vietnam terhadap penggunaan media sosial dalam komunikasi krisis.

This study aims to explicate the contribution of social media platforms adoption on start-up sustainability. Since most economies of the world start-up failure rate are relatively high, there is always a desire or a need to investigate the success recipe. As a result, the primary objective of this study is to understand the social media environment and how start-ups can best utilize social media platforms throughout their life cycle. Based on the qualitative case study approach, five in-depth interviews of social media marketers and individuals working in start-ups were conducted. The finding demonstrates that social media is a crucial virtual platform for striving resource start-ups. Therefore, if a platform gets utilized correctly, it can play an essential role in the sustainable progression of a start-up. Thus, there is a need for start-ups to articulate a comprehensive social media policy for each life cycle stage.

This study aims to explicate the contribution of social media platforms adoption on start-up sustainability. Since most economies of the world start-up failure rate are relatively high, there is always a desire or a need to investigate the success recipe. As a result, the primary objective of this study is to understand the social media environment and how start-ups can best utilize social media platforms throughout their life cycle. Based on the qualitative case study approach, five in-depth interviews of social media marketers and individuals working in start-ups were conducted. The finding demonstrates that social media is a crucial virtual platform for striving resource start-ups. Therefore, if a platform gets utilized correctly, it can play an essential role in the sustainable progression of a start-up. Thus, there is a need for start-ups to articulate a comprehensive social media policy for each life cycle stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present the new online database Politicians on Social Media (https://www.politiciansonsocialmedia. com), which is intended for both academics and the public. This database was created with the aim of being continuously updated and providing relevant information on politicians' activity on social media. We first used data from this database to analyze Twitter. This social networking site is increasingly at the forefront of scientific interest due to its growing number of users. It is often examined with respect to how politicians use it. For politicians, Twitter is an opportunity not only to inform people about their activities but also to communicate directly with voters. Attention is focused on members of parliaments (MPs). We examine not only how many MPs have adopted Twitter but also how active they are on it. We also examine the determinants of Twitter adoption by MPs. We analyzed all countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, and the United Kingdom. Therefore, the research includes 32 European countries. Our analysis revealed that most MPs have adopted Twitter in Western European countries such as France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, or the United Kingdom, while MPs in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia use Twitter the least. Twitter is very actively used by Spanish and British MPs. By contrast, the least active MPs on Twitter are in post-communist countries such as Bulgaria and Romania. Our correlation analysis showed a strong association between the number of Twitter users in countries and the adoption of Twitter by MPs. Specifically, more Twitter users in a country correlates with its being adopted by more MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Espacios is the property of Talleres de Impresos Oma and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this article, we present the new online database Politicians on Social Media (https://www.politiciansonsocialmedia. com), which is intended for both academics and the public. This database was created with the aim of being continuously updated and providing relevant information on politicians’ activity on social media. We first used data from this database to analyze Twitter. This social networking site is increasingly at the forefront of scientific interest due to its growing number of users. It is often examined with respect to how politicians use it. For politicians, Twitter is an opportunity not only to inform people about their activities but also to communicate directly with voters. Attention is focused on members of parliaments (MPs). We examine not only how many MPs have adopted Twitter but also how active they are on it. We also examine the determinants of Twitter adoption by MPs. We analyzed all countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, and the United Kingdom. Therefore, the research includes 32 European countries. Our analysis revealed that most MPs have adopted Twitter in Western European countries such as France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, or the United Kingdom, while MPs in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia use Twitter the least. Twitter is very actively used by Spanish and British MPs. By contrast, the least active MPs on Twitter are in post-communist countries such as Bulgaria and Romania. Our correlation analysis showed a strong association between the number of Twitter users in countries and the adoption of Twitter by MPs. Specifically, more Twitter users in a country correlates with its being adopted by more MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media marketing has become a central issue for companies and marketers. Few studies have, however, specifically researched factors and barriers influencing the adoption of social media at company level. This study addresses this gap by focusing on furthering the theory involved in the adoption social media at company level. Based on the findings of semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 marketing executives of large companies in Brazil, six variables that weigh in the adoption of social media were identified: the demonstrability of the results, the customers’ presence on Social media, knowledge of social media, stakeholder influence, common sense as related to digital marketing and the executive’s age. Additionally, we propose a theoretical model of social media adoption, in the light of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

The advent of Social Media tools has been one of the most relevant technological innovations in recent years and has strongly impacted the tourism industry. Despite the numerous benefits that Social Media can offer to hotels, transforming the way they relate to customers and opening a vast array of new possibilities, its implementation implies also numerous challenges. Considering that the use of Social Media is becoming increasingly popular, it seems to be critical to understand how hotels can use them strategically to reinvent customer relationships. This study explores the topic following a mixed methodology, combining both quantitative and qualitative data from a European sample of 312 hotels. Results suggest that review sites and social networks were the most used tools. The main advantag

Social media have been of interest to many enterprises for several years, it is therefore important to understand how they can be adopted in a business context. The purpose of this study was to get to know the motives, determinants, goals and ways of adopting social media by large enterprises. Qualitative research based on the case study method in enterprises operating in Poland was conducted. An unanticipated finding seems to be the fact that half of the surveyed large enterprises do not have a developed strategy of social media activities. The contribution of the conducted research is twofold. First, the study enriches and broadens the existing knowledge about the adoption of social media to business activities by identifying the different experiences of 10 enterprises, along with recognizing perceived determinants, barriers and problems in the process. Second, during conversations, many managers touched spontaneously on many aspects, without the researcher's suggestion. These aspects should be considered as important from their point of view. This opens up the field of exploration for further research deepening knowledge in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research conceptualizes and measures social media adoption (SMA) of companies with a process-based approach and explains its antecedents of micro- and macro-environment, size, and ownership, as well as its consequence of intention to increase resources dedicated to social media. Based on data from 310 Turkish small and medium enterprises, the study first develops a conceptual framework on the pillars of internal and external stakeholder focus as well as relationship and information oriented implementation. Based on these two dimensions, it discusses the novel concepts of social customer relations, social stakeholder communication, social intelligence, and social responsiveness related to SMA. The study further indicates that ownership type and micro environment play a role in SMA and that path dependence exists in the interplay of current adoption and future intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process and interaction among group members using wikis to produce collaborative writing (CW) projects, and to compare their collaborative behavior among students at different levels of education. Design/methodology/approach – The study investigated the participation and collaboration of Hong Kong primary school, secondary school, and university students in the process of developing their wiki-based CW projects. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from analyzing the revision histories and the content of wiki pages. Findings – Results indicated that the level of education significantly affected student CW actions, and their interaction and coordination behavior to co-construct the work. Also, the frequency of collaborative activities varied noticeably among the primary, secondary, and university students. Practical implications – The study enriches our understanding of the complex and dynamic process of CW using wikis. It has practical implications on why and how the pedagogy and technology should be implemented differentially for the students at three different levels of education to facilitate collaborative knowledge construction. Originality/value – Research to date is still lacking an in-depth knowledge about the processes and activities involved when students write collaboratively on wikis. Also, no study has yet compared the collaborative behavior among students at different levels of education. The results of this study contribute to the development of new and appropriate modes of group-based collaborative learning at all levels of the education system for the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tourism & Management Studies is the property of Escola Superior de Gestao, Hotelaria e Turismo, Universidade do Algarve and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Technological advances continue to expand connectivity and communication, greatly assisting in social media business integration. Although social media has potential to drive the world of finance and accounting, firms in the accounting domain have predominantly remained laggards in social media adoption and usage. The usage of social media tools in accounting would be transformative; better leveraging opportunities for interaction and user engagement. This article discusses the background and significance of social media tools, projecting the overall concept of social media and offering some empirical evidence on the adoption and usage by accounting firms. The paper also discusses the potential benefits and approaches towards building a social media presence from an accounting perspective. Common reasons for not adopting social media include the fear of appearing unprofessional, posting something wrong or being misunderstood, or a lack of confidence in online skills. Future research is proposed to assess linkages between usage patterns and organizational characteristics, staff perspectives, and audience engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the current deficit in the literature on social media adoption within a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) context. The authors adopt an action research methodology and through in-depth case analysis of eight SME cases aim to develop a theoretical model through which more effective social media adoption by SMEs can be better understood. Design/methodology/approach – In this study a deep and enduring engagement between the research team and eight small to medium-sized firms over a period of two years, from 2009-2011, informed the emergence and development of a theoretical model. In this research, using an action research methodology, the authors examine the nature and character of the challenges being faced by SME owner/managers as they consider adopting and utilising social media for commercial advantage and the evolution of the model through this engagement. Findings – The insights gained from the case companies indicated a variety of different approaches to social media adoption which often varied by organisational context and staff competency level. A universally common motivator for thinking about social media adoption was that the case companies shared an anxiety were they not to adopt what was perceived to be a new essential tool for business growth. Little evidence was found in the cases of such adoption behaviour being driven by a purposeful or thoughtful agenda through which value could be added to the customer experience. Research limitations/implications – Implications cluster around issues of customer orientation in the case companies under study and the extent to which owner/managers are seduced by the capability of new technology without thinking through the way in which such new technology might add value to customers. This raises an imperative for further research in the specific area of social media adoption behaviours in SMEs and more generally at the marketing/technology interface. Limitations of this study include the relatively small sample and the locus of the study being confined to Ireland. Practical implications – At the level of practice there are significant implications for decision makers in small firms to become more attuned to how technology can meaningfully add value to the customer experience. For educators, trainers and consultants there are implications for a more questioning and critical perspective to be undertaken when advising owner/managers on the merits of new technology adoption. Originality/value – The paper adds to the growing literature in social media adoption but is distinctive given the longitudinal nature of the study and the evolution of a model that identifies and describes the issues uncovered in the world of the SME practitioner with respect to the new world of social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in the adoption and management of cutting edge social media tools in two major travel markets: the United States and Switzerland. While U.S. destination marketing organizations (DMOs) in recent years have begun to introduce various social media tools to their websites, Swiss DMOs appear to have been more cautious as they implemented comparatively less social media tools. It was found that Swiss DMOs are governed by a different organizational framework which does support but at times inhibits the use of such tools. It appears that DMOs at different stages of development need to strategically organize their web marketing efforts so as to maximize as well as make more efficient use of social media adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social Media (SM) is considered one of the most discussed topics in today's business environment, mostly because of the recent developments and improvements in computer and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) technologies. However, very little is known about Social Media's (SM) role in creating Small and Medium-sized Enterprises' (SMEs') financial sustainability. Drawing upon the Technology Organisational and Environmental (TOE) framework, the authors constructed a comprehensive model that examined the role of different factors in the adoption of SM by SMEs in developing countries (using Pakistan as an example). Using a questionnaire survey of 383 owners/managers of SMEs in Pakistan, the research findings determined the different factors (i.e., organisational, technological, and environmental), which can impact the adoption of SM by SMEs. In line with previous research studies, the results of structural equation modelling show that technological factors such as perceived benefits of SM, compatibility of SM, cost, and trust have a substantial effect on SMEs' SM adoption. Similarly, both organisational factors: top management support and technological competence, are strong predictors of SM adoption in SMEs. Finally, environmental factors (i.e., competitor pressure, customer pressure, and information intensity) positively impacted SM adoption by SMEs. The effect of SM adoption on SMEs' financial sustainability was also tested and found to be positive and significant. Several theoretical and practical implications for owners/managers and other stakeholders regarding SM's successful implementation by SMEs are highlighted within the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the organizational adoption of social media is increasingly raised in hospitality literature because of the recognition of Web 2.0 technologies as a significant tool for improving customer information searching and experience, as well as for enriching firm digital strategy. The present study seeks to empirically explore the determinant factors that affect a hospitality firm's decision to adopt social media by following a theoretical approach that integrates the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT) with the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. Using survey data from 106 hospitality firms operating in Greece, and by applying structural equation modelling (SEM), we identify seven factors that influence the adoption of organizational social media adoption. These factors are grouped into three categories: Technological, organizational, and environmental. Out of the three groups of factors, technological features are considered as the most important ones in terms of their predicting power. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media is increasingly gaining traction as a valuable tool for small business. This is particularly the case in micro enterprises in the Indonesian retail industry, where adoption is anecdotally increasing, but with little understanding of the factors enabling such adoption. Consequently, this study proposes a research model derived from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and the Use of Technology and extended by integrating the task-technology-fit framework, along with price value propositions. Online surveys were sent to micro enterprises operating in the Indonesian retail industry with 153 valid responses received. Data analysis used structural equation modelling with SmartPLS 3. The results show that price value and task-technology-fit are perceived as significant factors for influencing positive attitudes towards the adoption of social media among micro enterprises. In addition, attitude and facilitating conditions were found to have a significant influence on intention to adopt social media. These findings hold import implications to theory and practice in this nascent field of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social media platforms are important tools for hospitals. These platforms offer many potential benefits in various areas of application for hospitals to connect and interact with their stakeholders. However, hospitals differ immensely in their social media adoption. There are studies that provide initial findings on individual factors influencing social media adoption by hospitals, but there is no comprehensive and integrated model.Objective: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive model of social media adoption by hospitals in the context of the Swiss health care system and to test the model with empirical data from Switzerland.Methods: To develop our model, we applied the general technology-organization-environment framework of organizational technology adoption and adapted it to the specific context of social media adoption by hospitals in Switzerland. To test our model, we collected empirical data on all 283 hospitals in Switzerland and identified the accounts they operate on 7 different social media platforms (Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, XING, and YouTube). We tested the hypotheses of our model by means of binary logistic regression (dependent variable: platform adoption) and negative binomial regression (dependent variable: number of different platforms adopted).Results: Our general model on social media adoption received broad support. Overall, hospitals in Switzerland are more likely to adopt social media if they have a higher share of patients with voluntary health insurance or have a higher patient volume. In contrast, they are less likely to operate their own social media accounts if they are associated with a hospital network. However, some hypotheses of our model received only partial support for specific social media platforms; for instance, hospitals in Switzerland are more likely to adopt XING if they provide an educational program and are more likely to adopt LinkedIn if they are located in regions with higher competition intensity.Conclusions: Our study provides a comprehensive model of social media adoption by hospitals in Switzerland. This model shows, in detail, the factors that influence hospitals in Switzerland in their social media adoption. In addition, it provides a basic framework that might be helpful in systematically developing and testing comprehensive models of social media adoption by hospitals in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]