Coming to terms with a social revolution

Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – New communications technology in the workplace often leads to employees being categorized as “technos” (more pejoratively “geeks”), or “Luddites” depending on whether they embrace or fear the developments. A greater number are neither one nor the other, and most people get there eventually when technological change is forced on them; human flexibility in this sphere is considerable. Social Networking 2.0 has had a huge impact on organizations during the last five years, and it is now estimated in the UK that 42 per cent of office staff discuss work‐related issues through social media applications. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Social implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.