Using Technology to Improve Business Communication

Assignment #2 Using Technology to Improve Business Communication Hans Jacobs October 31, 2011 By Inderjot Shokar Horvathova, P. & Davidova, M. (2011). Application of Talent Management with the useof Information and Communications Technology in the Czech Republic and OtherDeveloping, Emerging and Transitions Economies. Retrieved fromhttp://web. ebscohost. com. libproxy. auc. ca In this study, the researchers examined the quality of ICT technology along with talent management being used in organizations in one of the regions in the Czech Republic. Out of a group of 237 respondents (all organizations) selected for a survey, 96. % had said talent management had not been put into practice in their organization. In another survey, 118 of 228 respondents had said they were not familiar with the process. In relation to my topic, this article does stress the importance of using technology to improve business communication, how to use it efficiently, and that it’s most effective along with human interaction. However, it does not discuss how to keep technology in perspective, the importance of reconnecting with people frequently, and the flaws and distractions of technology if used inappropriately. Tsai, C. , Wang, C. , & Lu, M. 2011). Using The Technology Acceptance Model To Analyze Ease of Use of A Mobile Communication System. Retrieved from http://web. ebscohost. com. libproxy. auc. ca This article discusses the use of mobile communications to relay specific bodies of knowledge. It states that if mobile communications is to be used as a communication medium, it should have a simple design that users can implement in their life on a daily basis. Doing so will make people more willing to use the technology and thus improving communication. In an experiment of 230 participants, the results showed that this research had atisfactory reliability and validity. Therefore, this information is relevant to my topic because it discusses improvement through technology of communication. But keeping technology in perspective, connecting with people frequently, and using communication technologies productively is not discussed. People should have this knowledge to avoid the negative effects from the use of technology. Bubou, G. M. (2011). Platform Technologies and Socio-economic Development: The Case ofInformation and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in Nigeria. Retrieved fromhttp://web. bscohost. com. libproxy. auc. ca In this case study, the nation of Nigeria is examined to see how far it has developed during the period of 2001-2009 with the use of ICT and how ICT will assist to obtain the strategic vision ‘Vision 20/20/20’ to improve Nigeria’s economy . It is now among the top 10 countries in Africa with the highest telecommunication users. In 2001, the tele-density of Nigeria was a measly 0. 73%. By the end of December 2010, it grew to 63. 11%. Even internet usage has gone up, from 24% in 2007 to 42% in 2009 with over 83 million subscribers.

A major milestone that made this possible was the launch of the first African communication satellite (NigComSat1). Over $12 billion of Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) has flowed into the country. At a macroeconomic level, the GDP has increased by 27. 8% from N6. 7 billion in 2004 to N8. 6 billion in 2005. In 2010, it is said this sector will contribute to 1. 62% of GDP, with over 50. 9% growth in contribution to GDP. In comparison to my topic, the improvement through technology for Nigeria is emphasized greatly.

However, it has not touched base on the other areas of my topic. Although the growth and development of this country has heavily been impacted by the development and implementation of ICTs, the topic of ICT should be discussed in more detail. All aspects should be covered, including the negative effects. Bonnie, C. How Do Businesses Use Communication Technology to Improve Their Performance? Retrieved from http://smallbusiness. chron. com This article discusses how communication can be key when it comes to keeping all workers in the loop. As it is mentioned, ‘what’s new’ section on the company website can keep everyone up-to-date with what’s going on with the company. Instant messaging programs can help communicate important information or instructions quickly and efficiently. It can also update coworkers and supervisors of an employee’s status, whether they are in a meeting, at their desk, or out of the office. Email is still a popular method of communication and is ideal when a business has multiple offices in multiple areas. In regards to my topic, productive use of technology for business improvement is demonstrated well in this article.

Yet they have not included the downsides of instant messaging. It can prove to be quite distracting. Employees can potentially misuse IM for non-work related discussion, and thus decreasing productivity. As well, it has failed to mention keeping technology in perspective and how important it is to connect with people frequently. Applegate, J. (1999, Nov). Black Enterprise. Retrieved from http://books. google. ca (110-118) In this article, it is discussed how crucial it is to use technology to run a business.

Suggestions are made for different types of technologies that any business should have for its’ day to day operations. Included in these suggestions are cellular phones, two-way pagers, multi-function boxes (printer/scanner/fax/copier), internet service providers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, online employee training, voicemail, and creating a website. This article discusses improvement of business through technology but forgets to mention the cons of misuse for technology, keeping technology in perspective, and the importance of connecting with people.

You would want to ensure that employees are using their technological tools for work purposes. For interpersonal communication, these tools are great. But you do not want to grow dependent on them. It’s not meant to think and communicate for you. Communicating through a phone all day may be convenient, but it good to stay in touch face-to-face with your workers and contacts. It’s good to know people for who they are, because behind a computer or phone, they are just another voice.