Week 13: Technological Processses

Thanks to the technology innovations, it has largely impact on the communication in organizations. Information technology such as Internet, smart phones and social networking has effects on the communication content, patterns and structure (Miller, 2012).

New advance electronic mails, video calls, social networks and so forth are replacing traditional communication channels such as face-to-face interactions. 

It is becoming obvious that technology forces shaping the work world (Gray, 2013). The amount of data and information is proliferating, workers are being sourced globally and international business are more easier to establish compare to the past, and people are getting globally connected through social media and smart phones. This can be seen as a beneficial invention for business and human relationships across the country.

However, web technologies have tremendously change organizations communication patterns and influence human daily life as well. Skinner (2013) emphasized that researches have found that employees are now checking emails before breakfast, outside working hours, and even during their holidays. This means that individuals are spending more time on their jobs and being “interrupt” by work tasks during their day-off. This can be consider as a negative impact on individual’s lifestyle.

Also, social networking has become a hazardous communication channel for workers and the organizations. For example, a worker can post a status talking bad about the manager, complain about the working issues on Facebook and Twitter, there is high possibility that the information will flow to the manager or boss, which will result conflicts in the company. Another example is photos selecting to be post on social network are important. Because, for instance, an employee took an emergency leave, but friends on Facebook tagged party photos last night, it will result in undesirable outcome.

Clearly, the expansion of web technology has led to incredible levels of access to information as well as personal information, which will have negative and positive outcomes in organizations today.

References:

Gray, J 2013,’Workplace skill for a technology focused future,’ Financial Review 03 June, viewed 01 November 2013, < http://www.afr.com/p/national/work_space/workplace_skills_for_technology_jKpeXjQEDPeBFWrL9jtP6H>.

Miller, K 2012, Organization Communication, 6^th edn, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Boston.

Skinner, N 2013, ‘Technology: Freedom from the workplace or a curse for work/life balance?, Womens Agenda 03 June, viewed 01 November 2013, <http://www.womensagenda.com.au/talking-about/opinions/technology-freedom-from-the-workplace-or-a-curse-for-work/life-balance/201306022250>.