When communicating with the public about HARMAN on social media, we must use good judgment and common sense.
Excellence
Safeguarding Our Reputation:
Social Media
Our Commitment
Why It Matters
Every day, people engage in discussions about HARMAN and our brands in thousands of online conversations. As a technology Company, HARMAN encourages us to follow and engage with Company brands on social platforms. But we must take care to do so responsibly and with integrity.
HARMAN respects our right to use social media as a form of self-expression. However, we should be aware that our personal use is still subject to certain Company policies. We also value social media channels as a way for authorized spokespeople to discuss Company business. Authorized spokespeople are media relations professionals who have been trained to speak on behalf of the Company.
How We Use Social Media with Integrity
- If you mention the Company, our brands or products on social media platforms or any product review site, then you must clearly indicate your affiliation with HARMAN. This is a legal requirement. For example, you can begin your message with the phrase, “My employer, HARMAN, …” or include an appropriate hashtag, such as #MyEmployer or #HarmanEmployee.
- Refer to our Social Media Guidelines before speaking about HARMAN through any social media channel.
- Obtain authorization from the Corporate Communications team before speaking on behalf of HARMAN on social media.
- Watch for good and bad PR, even if you’re not an official spokesperson. Share what you see with the Corporate Communications team.
- Don’t respond to negative posts unless you’re an official spokesperson.
- Never disclose nonpublic or confidential information.
- Don’t post if you have any doubt about the accuracy of your information.
- Remember that the Internet is permanent. Once information is online, it is a part of permanent record—even if you remove/delete it later or attempt to make it anonymous.
- Contact the Corporate Communications team if you are a thought leader or subject-matter expert interested in representing the Company on social media.
Making Connections:
How Should I Indicate on Social Media That I Am a HARMAN Employee?
You can begin your message with the phrase, “My employer, HARMAN, … .” In a tweet, you can include an appropriate hashtag, such as #MyEmployer or #HarmanEmployee.
Connecting the Dots: Q&A
I’m quite active on social media. I have a personal account and a professional account. I follow business news and developments in our industry. Recently, I came across what appear to be false rumors about HARMAN, questioning the quality of our products and services. I want to set the record straight by citing my experience and position within the Company. May I do this?
Not unless you are an official spokesperson for HARMAN. It’s admirable that you want to defend our reputation online. You should report this situation to the Corporate Communications team. The Corporate Communications team will know how best to respond.