The impacts of social media on leadership and organizational change in the U.S. Coast Guard : a first look

Abstract

The U.S. Coast Guard faces a period of radical organizational change (known as "Modernization") in a time of asymmetrical threats to the U.S. and uncertain budget climates. In this time of uncertainty, a wave of New Media or Social Media (NSM) like blogs, social networking sites, file sharing and virtual worlds is sweeping the globe, connecting and networking people as never before. This thesis explores the impacts of New or Social Media on the U.S Coast Guard through two lenses: leadership and organizational change. There are three main themes to the thesis. First, I will present the reader with an introduction to New or Social Media along with a snapshot of the Coast Guard and its state of organizational change. Then, I will describe potential opportunities and challenges of NSM for the Coast Guard and strategies for leaders to engage in the medium. Lastly, I provide recommendations for NSM policies and actions for the Coast Guard going forward.