Technology-mediated communication in the workplace.
Workers increasingly rely on means of technology-mediated communication in the workplace. Besides email, workers commonly utilize tools, such as instant messaging and virtual meeting spaces, to regularly interact with coworkers and clients. Do some research using The Wall Street Journal and locate an article related to technology-mediated communication in the workplace. Summarize your key findings from the article using the questions below to frame your discussion.
How do you think such tools impact interpersonal dynamics in the workplace?
What are the benefits and challenges of these tools?
How might those challenges be overcome through conscious leadership?
Sample Answer
Sure, here are some key findings from the article “How Technology Is Changing the Way We Communicate at Work” by Sarah Needleman in The Wall Street Journal:
- Technology-mediated communication tools can have a significant impact on interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. They can make it easier for people to connect and collaborate, but they can also lead to misunderstandings and missed cues.
- There are both benefits and challenges to using technology-mediated communication tools in the workplace. The benefits include increased efficiency, improved collaboration, and access to a wider range of knowledge and expertise. The challenges include misunderstandings, missed cues, and the potential for isolation.
- Conscious leadership can help to overcome the challenges of technology-mediated communication in the workplace. Conscious leaders can create a culture of clear communication, set expectations for using technology-mediated tools, and provide training on how to use the tools effectively.
Here are some specific examples of how technology-mediated communication tools can impact interpersonal dynamics in the workplace: