14. Social Media in Purchasing

Social media has revolutionized the purchasing landscape, offering new avenues for supplier contact, evaluation, and transparency. This chapter delves into the intricacies of using platforms like Xing and LinkedIn for proactive supplier engagement, the complexities of purchasing rights in a global social media environment, and the importance of monitoring social media for supplier evaluations. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities in purchasing social media services and software, highlighting the need for strategic evaluation and legal compliance. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes the growing demand for transparency in supply chains and how social media can both expose and mitigate ethical and ecological issues. By providing a detailed roadmap for navigating the social media landscape, this chapter equips purchasing professionals with the tools to leverage these platforms effectively.