Shockley-Zalabak (2009) states that "technology has changed and is changing literally all types of relationships in which we engage. We no longer work only with those with whom we have face-to-face contact. We work across time zones, different languages, cultural differences, and geographic locations. We work with people without extensive information about their backgrounds, values, or experiences. We are expected to work effectively with others, using a variety of communication technologies" (p.164). There are a variety of ways today in which one can communicate with technology; computers, text messaging, email, cell phones, radio, videoconferencing, instant messaging, faxing, etc. The means by which people communicate can be evaluated for both advantages and disadvantages.
People are now able to communicate with anyone from anywhere in the world and technology has made it possible. There are many advantages and disadvantages to this. The advantages range from people being able to keep in touch with family, being able to communicate on the go, being able to accomplish tasks quickly, being able to interact with people of different cultures and beliefs, online learning, etc. Technology has made an abundance possible in the business world, but similar to most things, there are disadvantages as well as advantages. Some of the disadvantages are that technology allows people to be lazy, people are able to hide their identities making it easier to commit crimes (online predators), people say things that they wouldn't say to someone's face, messages can be misinterpreted, etc.
One of the things that technology advancements has made possible that has had a positive effect on communication is that one can multi-task a number of things instead of only being able to focus on one task at a time. People are able to travel and still communicate with their offices. This offers a level of convenience to professionals. In today's world, people have to be fast-paced, technology savvy, and on top of everything to keep up in business. Being able to communicate on the go is vital and technology has provided a plethora of ways to deliver a message wherever one may be geographically. Often times a business person will need access to a variety of programs and state of the art cell phones, laptop computers, wireless internet, and other technologies have provided the means in which to do so through accessing one single device.
Another business advantage of communicating through technology is being able to accomplish tasks and deliver information quickly. The old adage "time is money" applies to this instance. Business professionals are able to send information in seconds through email, texting, instant messaging, and other means with the click of a button. In today's world, paper has become clutter, therefore technology has replaced paper copies to send and store information without taking up space. Also, files on a computer can be retrieved quickly without having to sift through a pile of paper files. This also enables business professionals and others to be able to multitask and accomplish simple communication needs without having to go through any unnecessary measures.
Technology advancements in communication have also resulted in extensive online learning opportunities for anyone who wants to pursue higher education. According to Allen and Seaman (2008), "over 3.9 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2007 term; a 12 percent increase over the number reported the previous year" (p. 1). Communication is important in any learning situation and technology, especially computer technology, is used to create a classroom setting for discussion forums and other information about the course. Online learning provides a means for anyone to obtain an education despite their obligations in life. Convenience is important to most students who take online courses because they allow a more flexible schedule than traditional on-campus learning. If it weren't for cutting edge technology advances in communication, online learning wouldn't be possible and many people would be deprived of a college education.
Advancements in technology have made the entire world accessible at the tip of one's fingers. People are able to broaden their horizons, learn about other cultures, see pictures from different countries, and even interact with people of different nationalities. There are social networking sites in which one can meet people from anywhere in the world and learn more about them. This truly helps people to be more cultured which is very useful in organizational communication. Being knowledgeable and thinking in a worldly sense gives a person in business an advantage because they are more likely to be able to interact and communicate more effectively with people of any nationality.
Technology advancements help people to stay in touch with their family members and friends. Communicating is vital in maintaining a relationship with anyone whether it be a spouse, a relative, a child, or a friend. Today, it's common that someone has the possibility to relocate due to business reasons and technology allows people to stay in touch no matter how far apart. Having the ability to talk to or even see family and friends can help keep up an employee's morale. Having content and generally happy employees can be an important key to the success of a business. There is everything from videoconferencing to text messaging to help people communicate long distance whether it be to keep in touch with family or to stay in sync with another branch of business within the company.
References
Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2008). Staying the course: online education in the United States, 2008. Needham: Sloan-C.
Shockley-Zalabak, P. S. (2009). Fundamentals of organizational communication. Boston: Pearson.
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