Blogging at DrKW

What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing internal versus external employee blogs in a corporate setting? Are there certain industries where one of these strategies makes more sense?

In today’s business world, the faster your company can assimilate information, the greater chance of survival. One method of transferring information, not only from customers to company but also between employees is through blogging. Some of the advantages of internal blogging are increasing the communication between departments and divisions, helps getting vital information out faster, and creates a library of information for future references. However, there are several disadvantages that we need to look at. First, is controlling of information and content. Unless a company designates person to monitor the blog, tons of useless information can be posted making the blog worthless or hard to use. Another disadvantage is the lack of outside information or input. This could lead to a lack of problem solving or having fresh ideas. A final disadvantage is that employees could feel that they are being watched and only post positive information instead of what they truly feel or know.

External blogs can be really useful for most companies. First, it can provide a direct link between the company and their customers. Next, it can help them gather information from outsiders, who are experts in that particular field or industry. Finally, it can be use to promote or advertise new or unknown products. Although, there are a lot of positives for blogging, there could risks involved. The biggest disadvantage is this provides another avenue for private information and company secrets to get out. Again controlling the information that gets posted can be difficult.

Some of the industries that could benefit from the use of internal blogging are ones that are highly secretive or highly competitive; i.e. gov’t organizations, manufacturing companies like Boeing, pharmaceutical companies, NASCAR and so on. Industries that can use external blogging are ones that need high customer input; like software companies, service industry and so on.