The Minefield: Designing and Implementing Human Resource Policies in the Age of Social Media

Authors

Christopher R. McMillan, Bridgewater State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Human resource managers have had to navigate a minefield of laws and regulations while continuing to manage the traditional business functions of the employer. Now, human resource departments across the nation are tasked with managing the traditional employee-employer relationship in light of an ever-changing technological and legal landscape. Businesses across the nation have had to adjust to a rise in the use of social-media and have suffered the consequences of instantaneous communication between employees and the media. These same businesses must reconcile the need to protect its goodwill and livelihood, while incorporating the safeguards provided by legislation and regulations in the area of employment. While the legal implications often differ depending on whether the employer is public or private in nature, there remains very basic and relevant advice on how to design and implement human resource policy in light of social-media.

Note on the Author

Chris McMillan is a practicing attorney and is currently pursuing his Master of Public Administration. His research project was completed in the spring of 2015 under the mentorship of Dr. Melinda Tarsi. He holds a B.A. from Bridgewater State University and a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. He plans to pursue his Ph.D. in the fall of 2017.

Rights Statement

Articles published in The Graduate Review are the property of the individual contributors and may not be reprinted, reformatted, repurposed or duplicated, without the contributor's consent.

Recommended Citation

McMillan, Christopher R. (2016) The Minefield: Designing and Implementing Human Resource Policies in the Age of Social Media. The Graduate Review, 1, 17-25.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/grad_rev/vol1/iss1/9