Social Networking

"It's not reading, writing and arithmetic in this case though - Telstra employees are implored to observe responsibility, respect and representation."

In a word reputation. Not unreasonable to expect an employee to respect the reputation of the person or company for whom they work . If they do not like them , then they can move on. And that doesn't mean you have to accept all the work conditions offered. Those sorts of discrepancies need to be aired in person and face to face. Social networking is a very easy way to keep in touch and far more efficient than a phone call. Phone calls can last up to half an hour. Depends who you get at the end of the line. Sending an SMS, an email, a Facebook note or a tweet is far quicker and would take you less off task if you managed it responsibly. Phone calls mean you are subject to the mood and whimsies of the person at the other end of the line. Social networking has to be evaluated in terms of benefits to and the workplace. No use ignoring it.