Saturday, March 12, 2022

Business Communication: Role of Technology (Email, Text Messaging, Instant Messaging)

ROLE, EFFECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF TECHNOLOGY IN BUSINESS COMMUNICATION 




1.    Email:

Meaning: E-mail means electronic mail. It is used to send messages through internet from one email account to another email account/s. It is a transmission of messages over communication networks. It may contain text, files, images, or other attachments.

Features:

a)    It is extremely fast and can be sent to anyone irrespective of his/her physical location.

b)    Electronic files in the form of words, tables, pictures, graphs, sounds, videos etc. can be sent with this mail.

c)     Sending and receiving e-mails is Cheap (not costly).

d)    It can be sent to one or many individuals at a time.

Advantages:

a)    It is very speedy.

b)    It is convenient for both the parties.

c)     It does not require physical presence and does not disturb the routine.

d)    It is convenient from time point of view as both can use it as per their convenient time.

e)    It can sent at the one and same time to a large number of receivers.

f)      Instant clarifications and additional information can be exchaned if both the parties are on-line.

g)    It is comparatively safer because email account are password protected.

h)    E-mail messages can be easily saved in large size on a computer and quickly referered as and when required.

i)      Used for promotional activities.

j)      It is very economical and cheaper than postal mail.

Disadvantages:

a)    Hard copies of documents cannot be sent through e-mail.

b)    Internet is very essential facility without which it cannot be exercised.

c)     There is threat of virus.

d)    It becomes difficult to send heavy or many files at the one and same time.

e)    Computer literacy is must to use this tool.

 

2.    Text Messaging (SMS)

SMS stands for Short Message Service. Mobile phone allows small message window where text messages are being typed and transmitted to selected one or multiple recipients. It is non-real time text messaging service. Generally, SMS length is about 160 characters (maximum).

Advantages of SMS Communication

a)    It is the fastest way to reach anyone.

b)    Communication history is logged automatically to view old messages.

c)     Cost effective way for sending information.

d)    SMS notifications can be automated.
messages can be stored or deleted easily.

e)    Default words or messages are provided for comfortable typing.

f)      With advancement in the technology, even smiley and emotions icons are also embedded in the SMS.

Disadvantages of SMS Communication

a)    The SMS size is limited. This does not permit user to convey very long text messages. A person has to send more than one SMS messages to convey his/her full expressions.

b)    The system of communication is unreliable due to either congestion in network or out of service or busy.

c)     It is not possible to know whether the recipient person has read the SMS or not.

d)    They cannot be delivered to DND (i.e. Do not Disturb) subscribers.

 3.    Instant Messaging

Now a days, Instant Messaging (IM) is one of the most liked tool of communication in every field of life. Personal as well as professionals are utilizing it for their purposes.Each IM platform has different features.

Advantage:

a)    Real-Time Talk

It really is instant communication, faster even than email. When someone types in a comment and hit Enter, the comment appears on the screen instantly. Everybody in the chat group can view the messages and readers also. Status of delivery can also be seen.

Email is also pretty fast but it's not instant. You have to wait for the email to arrive, and you can't assume everyone you want to chat with is just sitting there waiting for each email. IM is chatting in real time as if you were on the phone with someone or on a conference call. IM can be useful when you are on the phone, too.

b)    Simple Setup

Unlike a conference call, which has to be set up in advance with everyone given a number to call and a password to enter at an appointed time, IM is there all the time, just waiting to be clicked. You can ask everyone to get on IM at 4 p.m., or you can get everyone chatting on IM on a moment's notice as long as they're available.

With IM, it's easy to connect with people who are offsite, too. You don't need to gather everyone in the conference room, huddled around the speaker box on the table, trying to make out what is being said through the crackling and words cutting out. It's written right there in front of you.

c)     Keeps a Record

Like texts and email, IM keeps a written record of what was said. That's useful when you want to remember specifics, and it's crucial for meeting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission when messages contain key company information.

Each chat entry is individual,

Disadvantage:

a)    Low Security

Because it's on a public network, IM is less secure than other methods of communication. Anyone could intercept postings or jump into the chat and see what's being said. Businesses can customize their security methods in their IM system, though many don't think to do so.

Most discussions are suitable for IM unless your company is involved in making prototypes for top-secret missions or other highly proprietary information.

b)    A Workplace Distraction?

Instant Messages system is available all the time which could cause distractions and bring lowered productivity.  IM distract people from their work and engage them into futile activities of self pleasure.

 


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