HOW LOCAL COUNCILS CAN USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO AID THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND COMPLETE BUSINESS OBJECTIVES

Abstract

Abstract

Social media is an ever growing phenomenon in modern society that organisations utilize to obtain and divulge information from the public in order to achieve their goals. The purpose of this research study is ‘To find out how the decision making process and completion of goals can be assisted by the use of social media’, based on gaining and developing an understanding of how social media is used within the context of local government, specifically focused to the case study of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC). Semi-structured Interviews and online questionnaires were administered to find out from each individual’s perspective of the social media platforms which they consider to be most popular in today’s society, as well as understanding which social media platforms are currently being utilised within the day to day activities of NPTCBC. Issues with social media and decision making activities are identified, while documenting the alternative social media platforms that can be used efficiently by the case study organisation to complete objectives. Results are thematically analysed to allow for easier interpretation of findings. Recommendations are then provided to the case study organisation for future implementation.