Unit 5: Social Computing in Business

Social computing represents a fundamental shift in how we use and interact with technology. It is focused on using computing and the internet to support and enhance social interaction, collaboration, and community building. This paradigm moves away from the traditional view of computing as a solitary activity and instead leverages technology to connect people.

Social computing transforms business interactions Figure 1: Social Computing in Business

mindmap
  root((Social\nComputing))
    Foundation
      Web 2.0
      User-Generated Content
      Wisdom of Crowds
    Applications
      Social Marketing
      Social Shopping
      Social CRM
      Social HR
    Platforms
      Social Networks
      Enterprise Social
      Collaboration Tools
    Benefits
      Customer Engagement
      Brand Building
      Knowledge Sharing

Figure 2: The Social Computing Ecosystem

This unit explores the world of social computing, starting with its technological foundation: Web 2.0. We will examine the core principles of social computing in a business context and then delve into its specific applications across several key functional areas, including marketing, customer relationship management, and human resources. We will see how businesses are using social tools to engage with customers, build brand loyalty, support employees, and drive innovation.