Employers need to get to grips with social-media risks : Two key policies required to cover all the bases

Purpose – Highlights the risks employers face when employees use social media. Design/methodology/approach – Considers types of risks and suggests how they could be mitigated. Findings – Reveals that employers need two policies to manage risks associated with the use of social media; a policy covering business use of social media and another covering employees' personal use of social media. Practical implications – Guides managers in assessing the exposure of their organizations and clients to the risks identified. Originality/value – Raises the issue of organizational awareness and preparedness to undertake challenges posed by social media.