Professionalism and LinkedIn.

Why LinkedIn Isn't Facebook.

LinkedIn's own snippet description for itself says: "Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities."

Note that this definition of LinkedIn does not include the words "social" or "media". It does include the word "professional" twice. 

For an independent view, Wikipedia describes LinkedIn as "LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking service...it is mainly used for professional networking".

Again, there is no "social media" in this definition, while business, professional and networking are keywords. 

Let us turn again to Wikipedia for the definition of "professional"

"The term ... describes the standards of education and training that prepare members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform the role of that profession. In addition, most professionals are subject to strict codes of conduct enshrining rigorous ethical and moral obligations. Professional standards of practice and ethics for a particular field are typically agreed upon and maintained through widely recognized professional associations."


So it should be clear that LinkedIn is not social media and professionals should not behave there like they were on twitter or Facebook. I believe users need to behave as if they were in a real life professional network meeting. This does not preclude mature, robust or heated debates on relevant topics, but does mean acting with decorum, respect and politeness to other networkers. Personal insults, provocation and jibes are to be avoided. Inappropriate content is bad form. All content not directly related to ones working life, career, business or profession is inappropriate to LinkedIn according to the above definitions.

I believe that User's should be particularly mindful of the User Agreement which they agree to in using LinkedIn. As it states at the top of the terms & conditions page "Note: You are entering into a legally binding agreement". Therefore, I suggest one should at all times observe strict adherence to the do's and dont's of the Agreement. Why? Because complying with legal contracts is not only at the heart of professionalism but also is vital to questions of trustworthiness.