Jed Davis
COM 394 – 72777
Virtual Team Assignment – Jed Blog post
November 25, 2008
I would like to approach the subject of Business communication, but more specifically I’d like to look at how to more effectively use Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) in business. Paul Argenti from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth points out that a corporations communication function has responsibilities both within and without the organization and use not only print based, but also other forms of multi-media to communicate their messages (Argenti, 2006). Think about your own workplace. What messages does your company need to send to you as an employee everyday? If you run your own company, what messages are you trying to effectively communicate to your current and prospective customers? Then think about the most effective way to get that message across. Should you send a typed letter to each employee of customer? Will more prospective customers pay attention to an email versus a written letter or telephone call? There may not be simple answers to these questions, however as technology becomes more and more integrated in our daily lives, it would behoove one to understand how to effectively communicate via modern technology. Boiney of Pepperdine University quotes Shani and Sena; “Information technologies are exerting a widespread influence on information flow within and between firms and on management’s ability to integrate change” (Boiney, 1998). At my own work I have witnessed and participated with the implementation of an information technology project for making everyday processing requests. Before the system was implemented one would simply send an email to the operations team asking them to perform a task (release an order, provide shipping info, etc). While the request itself was simple it was virtually impossible to organize the requests since they were all communicated via email. Now we have an intranet site called “iRequest”. It requires login, using your employee ID, then keeps an archive of each of your requests with an associated request tag number. This has helped immensely with the organization of the requests, and ultimately the quality of the communication within the organization.
To another subject – blogging for business.
I visited a website who offered ten tips for business blogging. (Maybe this is a good way to advertise your business?)
While all ten tips are key in having a successful blog for your business, I wanted to focus on two. The rest can be viewed at http://www.businesslogs.com/blogging-advice/top_10_business_blogging_tips.php.
1. Integrate your blog with your normal site
Think about where your site posts current news, events, or other timely information. Begin to reference your blog as the place to check for anything new and important. Get a following.
2. Provide content instead of just commentary
If someone is going to take the time to become a follower of your blog, give them a good reason. The elementary rule of business applies when blogging too. If you want it to be effective, create value for the reader.
In all of your business communications—good luck and happy CMCing!
Works Cited
Archer, James. (2007). Top Ten Business Blogging Tips. Retreived November 26, 2008 http://www.businesslogs.com/blogging-advice/top_10_business_blogging_tips.php.
Paul A Argenti (2006). How Technology Has Influenced the Field of Corporate Communication. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 20(3), 357-370. Retrieved November 26, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1074607431).
Lindsley G Boiney (1998). Reaping the benefits of information technology in organizations: A framework guiding appropriation of group support systems. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 34(3), 327-346. Retrieved November 26, 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 34402897).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
CMC has definitely had an impact in the business world. People working in organizations use CMC to keep in touch with clients, correspond with co-workers, sell products and develop relationships (Barnes, 2003). Even customers are using CMC to interact with one another. Many companies offer a customer forum or product rating system on their website. Consumers can look up this information to see how a person was treated at a particular establishment, which could influence their decision to shop at that store, or even see how another consumer rated a product they're in the market to purchase. This kind of CMC could make or break a customer's decision to shop at a certain store or purchase a certain product, just based on another consumer's feedback. Most importantly, CMC is useful for employees and managers within businesses. For example, computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) is a category of software programs designed to promote exchanges between individuals, small groups and departments (Barnes, 2003). Not only does CSCW help co-workers and managers stay in touch at the local store level, but also allows corporate leaders in other states to communicate with stores to keep up with their progress. CMC is a great tool for businesses and I'm sure the need for it will increase as times goes on.
Will CMC someday take over the business world, replacing physical stores with internet stores only? Companies wouldn't have to employ staff to work at the stores and this could save them lots of money.
References
Barnes, S. B. (2003). Computer-mediated communication: Human-to-human communication across the internet. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Jed
You make some very interesting points about the use of CMC in the business world. Blogging is becoming very important for businesses to use. The web site you linked to on blogging is very informative.
There is very little hope for growth in companies that fail to embrace new CMC as it becomes available. This class has allowed me to access new ideas that I have already begun to put to use in my everyday life. The hard part is keeping up with technology to stay ahead of the curve.
You said your company implemented iRequest, was this a program found and suggested by an employee or did the IT department serch it out as a means to solve a problem?
Post a Comment