Social Networks as Enablers of Enterprise Creativity: Evidence from Portuguese Firms and Users

Silvia Fernandes; Ana Belo

doi:10.4067/S0718-27242016000200008

Authors

Silvia Fernandes Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics, Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro.
Ana Belo Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242016000200008

Keywords:

social networks, users, firms, profiles, behaviors

Abstract

The present work analyzes the profiles of social networks’ users, individuals and enterprises in Algarve (Portugal), having accomplished online questionnaires. Samples of 230 users and 70 firms were collected. According to data obtained there are different behaviors. Users’ results highlight the need of harnessing the potential of recruitment and business projects through social networks, as searching for knowledge, communication and professional relations are expressive. Firms’ results reveal two types of social networks’ use: 1) knowledge search, interact with customers, launch new products; and 2) potential for marketing. Users’ desire of expressing own ideas and being creative had low importance. In social networks they auscultate more about what others are doing than revealing own aspirations. Here firms can act in order to shape users’ attitudes and preferences to their creativity. Thus, enterprises can use the first level of social networks (knowledge and product-customer interaction) in order to enhance the second level (marketing and innovation).

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Author Biographies

Silvia Fernandes, Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics, Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro.

Silvia Fernandes is Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve (Faculty of Economics). She holds a PhD in Information Economics. She is member of the CIEO (Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics) and lecturer for Information Technology, Innovation Economics and Entrepreneurship in undergraduate and master courses. She has several publications in books, journals, and communications in national and international conferences.

Ana Belo, Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro

Ana Belo holds a Master degree in Innovation Economics and Entrepreneurship from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Algarve. She is owner and manager of the company 'Sandogago Ltd', and project owner of ‘Rosenthal’ (Albufeira). She managed the department of information systems’ development at the Vale do Lobo Resort. She received the 1st Quality Award for her work in the area of information technology at Vale de Lobo Ltd. Her main scientific areas of expertise are: management, innovation, systems engineering, and information technology.