۱- Social media for enterprises

۲- The growth of social media

۳- SMA for B2B supply chain operations

۴- Social media usage in B2B supply chain

۵- Managerial implications

۶- Summary and future research

References

Abstract

This research examines current applications and potential capabilities of a wide array of social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others within the context of B2B supply chain operations. Specifically, we use social media affordances (SMA) as a framework to explore how social media is used in B2B supply chain settings. We report findings based on a survey of 209 professionals in supply chain areas. These findings include the extent to which social media and different social media tools are used in B2B supply chain operations, the impact of company size on social media use, the areas in which social media is used, the perceptions of social media, and other relevant issues such as social media policy and security. Based on these findings, this study provides a discussion regarding the current and future use of social media in B2B supply chain operations.

Social media for enterprises

The social media revolution has touched nearly all areas of business and, in many instances, has changed fundamental interactions between companies and their customers (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). Outside the business realm, individuals have rapidly embraced and adopted social media. According to the Pew Research Center (2018), between February 2005 and February 2018, the percentage of American adults using social networking sites jumped from 5% to 69%. Specific platforms added users at unprecedented rates, with Facebook hitting 50 million users just 1 year after its commercial introduction (Statista, 2015a) and Twitter doing the same in under 9 months (Statista, 2015b). Recognition of social media value is present in most business settings; however, many industry insiders believe much remains to be done. This is particularly true in the area of supply chain. While there is little doubt that social media is starting to have a big impact on supply chain activities (O’Leary, 2011), researchers point out the shortcomings.