Communication has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades with the

Question

Communication has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades with the advent of new technologies that can be a substitute for traditional methods such as phone conversations, written letters and face-to-face conversation. While many people claim that these have improved the quantity and timeliness of information sharing there are others who view the new communication technologies as detrimental to the process. The following two articles highlight some issues in communication that managers are currently having. After reading the articles comment on the following prompts:

1. Do you feel the results discussed in the article are a direct result of the change in communication styles over the past 20 years? The articles list things that one can do to address the problems managers are facing with communication. What would you add to the list?

2. Do you feel technology has enhanced communication in organizations or hindered it? Explain.

Articles: https://hbr.org/2016/03/two-thirds-of-managers-are-uncomfortable-communicating-with-employees ; http://www.interactauthentically.com/new-interact-report-many-leaders-shrink-from-straight-talk-with-employees/

Explanation / Answer

1.
The article discusses the issues faced by the manager while building communication with the employees. It has more to do with the communication gap and lack of interpersonal skill in the managers that is leading the problem. A manager has the responsibility to communicate what is true and correct to the employees, rather run away from facing the employees in his face while telling the truth. Such issues come due to the dysfunction of roles from the strategic goals and vision. In this scenario, the new techniques of the communication (emails, voice / video chat or other forms of contemporary communication) have made the job easier for the managers to communicate without saying a single work or making interaction in public. After-all, giving a honest feedback (37% respondents feel it a problem) is also the part of the responsibilities of the managers. Here, there is need of development program for the managers where the right approach of attitude, right frame of perception about the manager-subordinate relationship and key responsibilities towards the organization and customers should be the area of focus.
Further, the managers should increase the level of interaction with the employees on a day to day basis to reduce the communication gap. Hence, I would like to add “increase the interaction level” to gain the insight and give a feedback. It is not the new communication methods, but the communication gap and issues with the approach to work, that led to the problem.
2.
Technology has enhanced the communication rather creating a hindrance towards it. The new methods have made it fast communication using emails, video and voice chat as well as short messaging services. Further, it is the technology that has enabled people to work from home and from remote locations and get connected with the organization on a real time basis. Hence, the technology has positively contributed towards the communication and its quality.

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