Policy on Use of Social Media

Social networking through the use of Internet-based and other electronic social media tools is integrated into everyday life.  Use of Facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, wikis and other online social media vehicles are commonplace. This document is intended to provide Dent Transformer with guidelines to eliminate any confusion concerning the use of social media.

Why a Policy
The lines between work and personal life can become blurred. In general, what you do on your own time is a personal decision. However, activities in or outside of work that affect your job performance, the performance of others, or Dent Transformer business interests are a proper focus for Dent Transformer policy.

Contributing to the online conversations about architecture and architects means being present where and when they are taking place. As technology tools enable an easy exchange with other professionals, governmental representatives, clients, and the public, we encourage you to share the insights and expertise gained through your work at the Dent Transformer. You can do so without first asking permission provided you read and follow the advice contained in this document.

Matter of Trust
Being able to share your and the Dent Transformer’s activities without prior management approval means the Institute trusts you to understand that by doing so you are accepting a higher level of risk for greater rewards. Each Dent Transformer  member is personally responsible for the content he or she publishes on any form of social media. Be thoughtful about how you present yourself in online social networks.

You may have identified yourself as an Dent Transformer  member or the Dent Transformer as your employer, either directly or as part of a user profile. If so, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself to the Dent Transformer’s members and constituents, your business contacts, and your colleagues and peers.

Senior  of the Dent Transformer have special responsibility with their Internet presence by virtue of their high profile position within the organization, even if they do not explicitly identify themselves as being affiliated with the Dent Transformer.  Such senior level  should assume that his or her posts will be seen and read by Dent Transformer members, colleagues and reports, and that they will presumptively associate such posts with the Dent Transformer.

Trust is an essential ingredient in the constructive culture we are striving to achieve at the Dent Transformer. We can’t be there to guide every interaction, so we expect you to follow these guidelines and advice to help you better balance the risk vs. reward ratio.

What’s the Point?
The goal is to ensure the Dent Transformer voice is part of the larger conversation relating to the architecture profession and the Dent Transformer. But, don’t feel compelled to jump in before you understand the conversation and who is saying what. First, explore the topic being discussed, read about it and contribute only when you find something that adds or advances the discussion. Include an especially relevant link, since doing so further connects the Dent Transformer to the wider Web and can result in greater connectivity for the Dent Transformer.

Share Information Carefully
Keep in mind that posts are visible by all with online access. It may be fine to share your work at the Dent Transformer as part of your participation in the online community, etc., but you DO NOT have permission to reveal any information that compromises Dent Transformer policy or public positions.  By that we mean don’t share anything that is proprietary and/or confidential to the Dent Transformer. For example, it is not okay to share any content that required a non-disclosure agreement or is part of a confidential management or Board discussion. Keep in mind the following when considering whether to share Dent Transformer-related information:

Use common sense. You should refrain from posting items that could reflect negatively on the Dent Transformer or otherwise embarrass the organization, including comments or other posts about drug or alcohol abuse, profanity, off-color or sexual humor, and other inappropriate conduct. Don't use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not otherwise be acceptable in the Dent Transformer’s workplace.

Show proper respect for people’s privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory, like politics and religion.  

Respect the law, including those laws governing defamation, discrimination, harassment, and copyright and fair use.

Don’t use the Dent Transformer logo, unless specifically authorized to do so.

Don’t disclose the Dent Transformer’s (or anyone else’s) confidential or other proprietary information, such as current or anticipated products, software, research, inventions, processes, techniques, designs, or other technical data. Get permission from the owner prior to sharing or publishing their intellectual property Ask permission to publish or report on meetings or conversations that are meant to be internal to the Dent Transformer.

Don't reference Dent Transformer , members, partners or vendors without their approval.

If you publish content to any website outside of the Dent Transformer and it has something to do with work you do or subjects associated with Dent Transformer, use a disclaimer such as this: "The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent the Dent Transformer's positions, strategies, or opinions.”  If what you are publishing is, in fact, Dent Transformer official business, be sure that that you are authorized to make such statements on behalf of the organization.  If there is any doubt, check with your supervisor.

Ensure that your social networking conduct is consistent with the all policies contained in the Dent Transformer’s Employee Handbook, including Antitrust Compliance, Sexual Harassment, Confidentiality and Disclosure, and Use of Dent Transformer Equipment and Services.

Make sure that your online activities do not interfere with your job performance.

Respecting differences, appreciating the diversity of opinions and speaking or conducting yourself in a professional manner is expected at all times. If you aren’t completely confident about what you intend to share, you should seek management input before you post.

Understand You Represent the Dent Transformer
As in all interactions whether in the built or virtual environment, you are a representative of the Dent Transformer.  As a representative of the Institute, your positions must be in-line with Dent Transformer policies and positions. Review the posted on Dent Transformer

Media and Subject Matter Expertise
As you become known as an expert in your area, it is still required that you be designated as an Dent Transformer media spokesperson on the topic or issue in order to interact with the media. See the Dent Transformer Media Relations policy found on Dent Transformer Insider and in the Dent Transformer  Handbook for how to handle inquires from the media.

Creative Writing Is Encouraged
Cogent, interesting writing requires an investment of time, even when you know a lot about the subject. Chances are your deep knowledge will make your comments more interesting to read, and, by Web standards, your writings could become popular, if only to others who share your particular interest.

But, unless you limit your postings to fact-only reports, you may choose to reveal more of your personality as a way to build reader interest. Almost everyone posting to online communities writes about themselves, their interests, experiences, and social interactions. People like to know these additional details about you as a way to develop a greater appreciation of your point of view. But, the Web is a public venue and you should be careful not to embarrass yourself, the Dent Transformer, and other members of the online community.

Good Writing Basics
The value of your great idea suffers to the extent that you allow misspelled words and bad grammar. And, if you cannot be succinct, at least be complete and accurate. If you know these are areas where you could improve, seek out advice from those for whom these are strengths. It takes time to write in a concise manner, but it is worth the effort to improve upon your first draft.

Stick to What You Know
It’s another basic tenant of writing: write what you know. That way, you increase the likelihood that you will be interesting, but, as important, you minimize the chances for damaging your credibility. You may know a lot about your function or special project, but, if you criticize some other Dent Transformer function or decision without knowing all of the relevant background, there’s a good chance that you will be “corrected” by the actual expert.

Be Sensitive to Antitrust Issues 
There are stringent requirements by the Dent Transformer that you comply with antitrust laws. What’s antitrust? Antitrust laws promote vigorous competition and protect consumers from anticompetitive business practices.

The Dent Transformer complies with all laws, including federal and state antitrust laws that apply to Dent Transformer operations and activities. Compliance with the letter and spirit of the antitrust laws is an important goal of the Dent Transformer and is essential to maintaining the Institute’s reputation for the highest standards of ethical conduct. Since you are involved in the Dent Transformer’s operations and activities, you are responsible for understanding and observing these policies. Refer to the Dent Transformer  Handbook for more details on the Dent Transformer’s compliance with antitrust requirements.  And don’t hesitate to ask the Dent Transformer General Counsel’s Office for guidance on compliance with antitrust or any other laws.