On a scale of 1-10, how important is social media marketing for today's marketing and business development in an organization?

I see that this depends on the spread of social media in the region that you are considering. Importance of social media is10 in the regions were most of the population are using it and get as low as0 in the areas where the population has no access to social media.

For me,,, 9 after the Direct silling (networkmarketing)

i might dissagree with some marketeers,social media is important ,but brands equity and customers needs must be satisfied first.if you manage your brand as a brand that satisfies the current needs  of targeted customers social media will help.if you have awinning brand and product that is needed then social media will boost your efforts.