INTERPERSONAL & E-COMMUNICATION

Technology and Business Communication

Technology and Business communication

Introduction

Technology has changed business in many ways, but its effect on communication is arguably the most significant. Indeed, according to Walden University College of Management and Technology, communication through email, text messaging, instant messaging and even budding tools like social networking have been "among the most profound effects of technology on every area of business." However, while technology did make business communications faster and easier, it has also made, at times, communication more distracting and less clear.

Whether you need to speak with an employee who is traveling in another state or country or you need to communicate with your supplier half way around the world, technology allows you to do so instantaneously. In fact, thanks to email and text messages, you can now send messages to people in other time zones before you forget without worrying that you will wake them up. In fact, according to Walden University, the Internet has allowed business people to communicate easily regardless of time zone and language issues. In this essay, we will discuss the technological events that have changed the business communication in many ways.

Anyone who has owned or worked for a business knows that the continual advancement of technology goes hand in hand with the advancement of business communication. In the last ten years alone, the tremendous technological advancements that have taken place in communication have changed the way we do business so drastically that we view the communication trends of pre-2000 as 'vintage'.

Discussion

Communication is an integral part of business conduct as it allows all stakeholders to understand what the business is about. Internally, people need to understand how they fit in and what is expected of them. Whilst externally, it helps to educate people on how the business (or products/services) may fit into their life. Communication in business is driven by specific goals. The identity, policies and culture of an organization have to be communicated to both people within and outside the company (Winston, 1998, 5-8). Business communication is governed by certain principles and norms. Effective and efficient communication serves a business in lots of ways. It helps the company to interact with the interested parties and help them understand what the business is, what it offers and what can these parties do to support to business in any way. It helps to develop improved understanding of the company's perspective, and facilitates the change that the company is trying to bring in the way others think, act or feel (Yates, 1989, 64-71).

Strong business communication ensures that there are no misunderstandings that may harm the interests of the organization, by aligning itself to the needs of the audience and seeking to understand them. It reduces the barriers to a workplace environment that may otherwise lead to conflicts amongst individuals and groups. These barriers may include information clog, suspicions, bias and prejudice. Lastly, good communication in an organization ensures that its point of view is clearly conveyed to the various stakeholders for the accomplishment of ...