Explain how changing technology influences communication.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. Electronic tools create opportunities that range from new kinds of communications to improved quality of messages themselves. Electronic tools, such as the Internet, intranets, document production software, multimedia presentations, web publishing tools, and email, can help people in various ways, such as by (i) collecting and analyzing data, (ii) shaping messages to be clearer and more effective, and (iii) communicating quickly and efficiently with others in geographically dispersed locations.Using various communication technologies, individuals can often work in their homes or other remote locations and send and receive work from the company office electronically. Telecommuting offers various advantages, including reduced travel time and increased work flexibility. Laptops and smartphones provide computing power and connectivity for professionals wherever they are. Although the public Internet is accessible to everyone and offers a wide array of information, organizations are establishing intranets, which can be understood as a private analog of the Internet or as a private extension of the Internet confined to a particular organization. An intranet is a computer network that uses Internet Protocol technology to share information, operational systems, or computing services within an organization. Increasingly, intranets are being used to deliver tools, for example, collaboration (to facilitate working in groups and teleconferencing) or sophisticated corporate directories, sales and customer relationship management tools, and project management, to advance productivity.Intranets are also being used as corporate culture-change platforms. For example, large numbers of employees discussing key issues in an intranet forum application could lead to new ideas in management, productivity, quality, and other corporate issues. When part of an intranet is made accessible to customers and others outside the business, that segment becomes part of an extranet, or a network between organizations.A related development is the growing use of social media in organizations. Social media is "a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content." Social media depends on mobile and Web-based technologies to create highly interactive platforms through which individuals and communities share, co-create, discuss, and modify user-generated content. It introduces substantial and pervasive changes to communication between organizations, communities, and individuals. In a business context, social media provides opportunities to engage in marketing research, communication, sales promotions/discounts, and relationship development/loyalty programs.Although many benefits are provided through the use of technology in organizations, challenges or risks also must be recognized. Knowing how to "tunnel" through the vast amounts of irrelevant information available on the "digital highway" to find what you want can be overwhelming. The experience can also be expensive in terms of human time spent and charges incurred for online time. Locating information from electronic sources requires that you know the search procedures and methods for constructing an effective search strategy. There are also possible legal liabilities that can arise from improper use of technological resources.Effective use of various communication technologies helps ensure timely, targeted messages and responses and helps build interpersonal relationships. This responsiveness leads to positive interactions with colleagues and strong customer commitment. REJ: Please see the section "Contextual Forces Influencing Business Communication" for more information.