Exploring the use of social media sites for health professionals’ engagement and productivity in public sector hospitals

Naeem, Mohammed and Ozuem, Wilson ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0337-1419 (2021) Exploring the use of social media sites for health professionals’ engagement and productivity in public sector hospitals. Employee Relations, 43 (5). pp. 1029-1051.

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Abstract

Purpose: Competitive pressure and social influence for technology adoption has increased among developed, developing, and emerging countries. The influence of social structure, organizational forces, and political forces varies between public sector hospitals in countries where there are more social media restrictions. This study aims to explore how the use of social media can influence employee engagement and productivity in the workplaces of public sector hospitals.

Method: The study follows a social constructivist approach to understand: employee attitudes, motivation culture; political forces; and the local context. Data were collected from health professionals of five public sector hospitals using a non-directive and semi-structured interview method.

Findings: The results show that the use of social media sites has increased collaboration, coordination, and cooperation among health professionals, especially in critical situations. They are more socialized, connected, and engaged, which helps them to exchange useful knowledge using instant messaging apps. Conversely, there are no organizational polices and specific laws and too little support from management and senior doctors to drive the use of social networking sites in public hospitals. The use of social media has enhanced health professionals’ engagement and productivity as Accepted in the Employee Relations Journal (December 2020) they are able to share their expertise, knowledge, and information with their colleagues and subordinates.

Implications: The results can guide policy makers, researchers, hospitals, doctors, and the Ministry of Health about the positive use of social networking sites in the workplace. The positive use of social networking sites in the workplace can enhance information, knowledge, and coordination which may help to enhance employee engagement and productivity.

Originality: The present study provided a social media health organization workplace (SMHOW) model which explains how individual and organizational contexts can influence the actual use of social media in health care organizations.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Employee Relations
Publisher:	Emerald
ISSN:	0142-5455
Departments:	Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership > Law
Depositing User:	Christian Stretton
Date Deposited:	07 Dec 2020 11:05
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2024 11:45
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/5822

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