Use of Social Media Tools for Internal Communication in Private Organisations in Ibadan, Oyo State

This research investigates the use of social media tools for internal organisational communication in selected private companies in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, within the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The rapid proliferation of platforms such as WhatsApp, Slack, and Microsoft Teams has transformed internal communication dynamics in contemporary workplaces, raising questions about effectiveness, professional etiquette, and data security. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting human resource managers, administrative officers, and frontline employees in ten private organisations spanning manufacturing, retail, and professional services sectors. Data are collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The study is theoretically anchored on the Media Richness Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model, with literature from 2021 to 2024 providing contextual support. Key variables include frequency of social media use for work purposes, perceived communication effectiveness, and concerns about confidentiality. Findings are expected to reveal both the benefits and emerging risks associated with informal digital communication channels. Recommendations address policy development for social media use in private organisational settings in Nigeria. Keywords: social media, internal communication, private organisations, Ibadan, workplace communication