The document summarizes Cisco's policies on social media use. It outlines Cisco's view that employees can use social media for work purposes as long as they follow relevant policies. It provides guidance on identifying oneself and maintaining transparency when discussing Cisco business online. The document also describes Cisco's internal social platforms and encourages employees to get manager approval before participating in external social media as a Cisco representative. Overall, the document aims to manage risks from social media use through educating employees on Cisco's policies.
GovernanceIWE page: http://iwe.cisco.com/html/index.html#url=/web/socialmedia/governance - please read this page, it will tell you who needs to know our policy, the fact it now must be accepted each year (this is new! So not only has this been integrated into COBC which also must be accepted each year, but now the social policy must be accepted each year as well as a standalone item). We are now able to track who has accepted (i.e., electronically signed) the social policy – I used myself as an example to illustrate what it looks like. Please use the attached screen shot and do not alter it. As you can see, parts of the description have been whited out.
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Cisco employees may use social networking sites while at work and to conduct business. Cisco does not block employees’ access to social networking sites as the company believes in empowering its workforce and instills trust in employees to work responsibly and adhere to the Cisco Code of Business Conduct. Fundamentally, if it is okay to do something in the offline world as a part of your job, it is okay to do it in the online world. And, the opposite is also true: if it isn’t a part of your job in the offline world, you should not do it in the online world.Though Cisco encourages the use of social media, employees must adhere to these policies and guidelines when using social media.
We have smart employees and we encourage them to use social media to communicate. It is important to know that when you use social media, you are representing yourself and not Cisco. However, if you are participating in social media as a Cisco representative, you must get your manager’s approval. When you are participating in social networking sites, be transparent that your thoughts are your own if discussing Cisco’s business or related industry topics. Use your real identity—no aliases— and your real voice, and disclose your affiliation with Cisco. The anonymity of the Web sometimes encourages carelessness, and being upfront about your identity can avoid problems. For transparency, please provide a disclaimer if using a non-Cisco sponsored tool. Twitter disclaimer: “My tweets are my own and do no represent Cisco, my employer.“ Cisco-sponsored blog disclaimer:“Some of the individuals posting to this site, [including the moderators,] work for Cisco. Opinions expressed here and in any corresponding comments are the personal opinions of the original authors, not those of Cisco.”Third party blog disclaimer:“The opinions expressed in this blog are my own views and not those of Cisco.”
When engaging online to communicate anything related to Cisco business, you must read, understand and abide by this policy. Keep applicable policies in mind that can be found in the related policy section.Do not commit Cisco to any action unless you have authority to do so. Protect Cisco and your reputation. Avoid any statement or comment that might harm Cisco’s reputation. You represent Cisco and the Cisco brand. As an employee and possibly a shareholder, your actions both on- and offline can affect perceptions about the Company and shareholder return. Do not post any confidential, internal-use only or copyrighted information belonging to Cisco or third parties without written permission. Information to be protected includes music, videos, text and photographs. Please refer to the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement and the Data Classification Policy for more information. See also the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of this document to obtain more information “Proprietary and Confidential Information” and “Copyrights, Trademarks, Photos and Logos.” Do not make statements about Cisco’s financial performance. Refer any questions to a Cisco Investor Relations representative. Maintain confidentiality of “internal only” information. Do not share any information marked “For Internal Use Only.”
For social networking sites such as LinkedIn where personal and professional references are the focus: If you are representing yourself as a Cisco employee, you may not provide professional references about any current or former employee, contactor, vendor or contingent worker.You may provide a personal reference or recommendation for current or former Cisco employees, contractors, vendors and contingent workers provided a) the statements made and information provided in the reference are factually accurate; and b) you include the disclaimer below.“This reference is being made by me in a personal capacity. It is not intended and should not be construed as a reference from Cisco Systems Inc. or any of its affiliated entities.” Do not post anything that is defamatory, offensive, harassing, or in violation of any applicable law or any Cisco policy.Do not engage with the news media or industry analysts (e.g., Wall Street Journal, InformationWeek, Gartner, Forrester) to discuss Cisco strategy and/or business without PR and AR consultation and approval.If you are contacted by a member of the news media or similar outlets, consult your PR representative or AR representative before responding.