Technology Uses in VT
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School
Rutgers University *
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Course
151
Subject
Communications
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by KidSnowAlbatross25
1. What are key characteristics of communication technologies? (cite/make reference to the
readings)
In the reading, Levi and Askay make reference to three different characteristics that need to be
present when concerning the characteristics of communication technologies. These three
characteristics include media richness, media synchronicity, and documentation. Of the three
characteristics, media richness is considered the most important when discussing communication
technologies. Media richness pertains to, "the speed of feedback, the number and type of sensory
channels, and the degree to which the source seems personal" (Levi & Askay 339). Media
richness has the most to do with the information and ideas being shared since it pertains to how
quickly ideas are exchanged, the volume of the information, and the resemblance to face-to-face
communication. Media synchronicity has to do with the interactions between individual team
members, whether it be in a synchronous or asynchronous format. Lastly, documentation deals
with the records or tasks, actions, and dialogues between team members.
2. How does virtuality (virtual work) impact communication and relationships? Explain, give
examples, and cite/make reference to case studies.
In some cases, virtual work is seen as impacting communication and relationships negatively.
The eyes of people like Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, believes that, “to become the absolute
best place to work. . .we need to be working side-by-side. That is why we must be all present in
our offices”(Goudreau 2). In her mind, she believes that remote working will affect the “speed
and quality”(2) of work when done at home. Others believe that she is not adapting to changing
times efficiently. Commenting on Mayer’s decision, Sara Fell, CEO of FlexJobs, states, “I just
don’t agree that casting a blanket of the blame on individual telecommuters is the right way to do
it–nor is canceling the whole program in one fell swoop”(3). By not allowing remote workers,
there is a blockage that closes off a whole new form of communicating ideas to people that can
share different fresh perspectives on complicated issues.
3. The author, Levi, suggests that it is important to select technology that is appropriate for the
context and the task. He talks about several factors including social relations, usefulness for the
task, and conflict management in deciding technology that could be used by teams. What are
some other contextual issues you can think of when selecting the appropriate technology for a
team? Please explain and cite/make reference to the readings.
When trying to decide on the appropriate technology for a team to use, it’s important to take into
account the fact that choosing the wrong technology can lead to many contextual issues. Levi
explains that, "Communicating via technology may add to cultural miscommunications because
of the lack of nonverbal cues in an email or videoconference"(Levi 338). When a team decides to
meet virtually rather than face-to-face, the overall team dynamic is shifted, and this shift can lead
to miss communications between team members. Another aspect to consider is whether or not all
team members have access to the technologies. Technology tends to be unreliable so in the case
that team members are meeting online there is a higher chance that information is not exchanged
to all individuals.
References
Goudreau, J. (2013, March 22). Back To the Stone Age? New Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer Bans
Working From Home. Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2013/02/25/back-to-the-stone-age-new-yahoo-ceo-
marissa-mayer-bans-working-from-home/?sh=251667191667
Levi, D., & Askay, D. A. (2021). Virtuality and Teamwork. In
Group dynamics for teams
. Sage
Publications.
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