I think there are three issues at play why there is a lack of adoption:

1) lack of perceived value of adopting web 2.0
2) age of CIOs
3) none existence of a single do it all web 2.0 environment for Intranets

From my experience number 1 seems to be the main reason. I have still yet to see someone doing a cost benefits analysis of web 2.0 in the enterprise based on a real world implementation.

CIOs base their decisions on financial factors first!

I agree, Anon. Although, I think #2 drives a more extreme version of #1: Executives (because of age, lack of exposure to social media) often do not understand Web 2.0 technologies, and their ignorance causes a lack of perceived value.

In response to Toby: I think it's a mistake to equate lack of plans to a bunch of hype. The fact is that social media are here and the generation of workers entering the force now are programmed for a more intense level of connection than they're receiving.

At some point, whether CIOs plan for it or not, they'll be facing a disengaged workforce.

I also agree, age is playing a major role along with the fact that 2.0 language promotes creating content and hoping it pulls in audience. The true value in 2.0 is the communication tools it permits the public relations, marketing, and advertising channels in an organization.

Monitoring 2.0 for openings is far more valuable than simply creating content and saying "hey my blog isnt working".

If the amount of media coverage and blogosphere coverage to a subject matter far exceeds the reality then it in fact represents an abundance of 'hype'.... however, as I make the point in the column, the hype is not without merit or value.

Interesting post and timely for me because I need to be up-to-date with the "tools" that will help my organization communicate across the enterprise, share information easier, meet staff needs etc.

I think that Anon has a good point about the financials. IT investments more or less needs a financial justification (unless it's a "pet" project from THE BOSS). And if the business customer doesn't get what you're selling by way of social tools like a blog etc then you're in a tough spot.

In my experience, I took a business need and introduced a community forum software called SMF (Simple Machines Forum). It went well at first but the thing that eventually killed it is the need for content. The content came from the users and the "business owner" needed to champion the change to adopt this new internal communications channel. They didn't.

As far as I was concerned, as the IT guy, I delivered, but it wasn't my job to ensure the change management part was successful (although I did help champion it in other ways). Some learnings from this experience but the desire, at least from me, is still there.

The BT story seems like a "deja vu" for me (we have the same issue) and or organization is doing something about it. But as with many efforts in the IT area with new technologies, it's done halfway. I don't think the solution will replace Facebook anytime soon. But it's a good start because it shows awareness to do something and not continue with the status quo.

Cheers,

Well put Lui. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts. Please do update us and let us know how you do with your organization's plan for Web 2.0 / Intranet 2.0 tools.

Regards,

Toby