Evaluating the user perceived usefulness of Enterprise Social Networking

This paper aims to identify user perceived usefulness of enterprise social networking within the public and private sector of Wellington NZ. It aims at determining the specific factors that appeal to enterprise social networking users. This paper first outlines the global trend towards enterprise social networking based on academia and IT industry papers. It draws parallels between ESN and KM to better understand the unique attributes of ESN. In particular it brings to focus the social nature of ESN and the use of modern technologies that facilitate ease of use. It also highlights the community nature of ESN and its importance in managing knowledge security, quality, trust and sense of sharing. These dimensions help form the basis on which the interview questions are based. Anti- positivism philosophical approach is used to peer into user perceptions and make sense of the research findings.  Qualitative data shall be gathered through interviews. 7 participants will be involved in the interviews. Participants will be a mixture of MIM students and IT professionals employed within the private and public sector.  The outcome of this study is to better understand contemporary views on the topic and shape future direction in better dissemination of enterprise social networking in the local industry. The focus on what the user perceived usefulness of social networking within wellington will give insights into user adoption strategies for enterprise social networking.