Are Bloggers De Facto Company Spokespeople?

"Are Bloggers De Facto Company Spokespeople?" by Tom Nardacci

When employees blog from work they are putting their views in the public domain on company time. Their IP addresses are traceable to company computers. Their seemingly anonymous posting now becomes a statement from inside the company.

Organizations should update their human resource manuals to include sections related to blogs and chatrooms on company time. In times of crisis or scrutiny, well-intentioned and loyal employees may make matters worse. Your public relations plan should clearly spell out who company spokespeople are.

Companies should post to relevant blogs with the same protocols that you would speak to a media outlet. Your public relations counselor should be involved.