Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World, Essay Example

The implementation of technology has the potential to either help or hurt the communication relationship between a manager and his/her subordinates. In some instances, technological communication is beneficial because it allows the manager to send concise messages to his or her subordinates at the click of a button. This ensures the timely transfer of information, which is beneficial if the messages enclosed contains information that is essential to a project that the subordinates are currently completing. However, it is important to consider that e-mailing and other forms of electronic messaging could be misused. It is essential for the manager to transmit these messages using clear and concise language, avoiding shorthand and slang. It is also important for these managers to avoid using words that could be misconstrued to ensure that the meaning of the message is properly transmitted.

While technological communication is advantageous for messages that need to be transmitted quickly and would benefit from the record-keeping aspect of e-mail applications, it is important to consider that there are some messages that should not be send using this method. Ultimately, messages that are personal in nature should be communicated face to face. These personal communications generally include performance improvement plans, discussion of an intent to promote the individual or provide them with a raise, or to simply provide information or ask questions that would be more appropriate to keep off the record. In addition, content that requires the manager to confirm a level of understanding should also be communicated in this manner because it will allow the subordinate to be questioned to confirm or deny the level of understanding.

Textbook chapter 13 discusses the need to motivate employees to ensure that the work they produce is effective and meaningful (Bateman & Snell, 2014). While it may be occasionally relevant to thank employees for their hard work through e-mail, it is more beneficial to have this conversation face to face. In this manner, employees will be better able to understand the sincerity of the message, and this will contribute to their want to continue to perform effectively in the workplace. Face to face communication and recognition is an effective mode of positive reinforcement when more concrete rewards are not feasible.

A recent study has shown that failing to communicate face to face when appropriate can have a negative impact on workplace productivity (Przybylski & Weinstein, 2012). Even though managers become busy and have many different responsibilities to balance, it remains important for them to invest some of their time in building relationships with their employees. While e-messaging is sometimes plausible, it is important for these individuals to have a presence in their office or work setting. If a manager is constantly connected to technology, an ideal relationship cannot be established.

Studies have also demonstrated that the use of technology has become a cultural normality. Therefore, subordinates expect that their managers will contact them using technology on occasion. As a result, it is the responsibility of the manager to determine an appropriate balance between technological communication and face to face communication. Effective managers are those who are able to strike an appropriate balance between the two. Achieving this balance is a necessary component of mastering the ability to communicate with employees. Therefore, managers who wish to encourage their employees to perform well must take this important aspect of motivation into consideration.

References

Bateman T, Snell S. (2014). Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World. McGraw-Hill.

Kabaa B, Osei-Brysonb K. (2013). Examining influence of national culture on individuals’ attitude and use of information and communication technology: Assessment of    moderating effect of culture through cross countries study. International Journal of Information Management, 33(3): 441-452.

Przybylski AK, Weinstein N. (2012). Can you connect with me now? How the presence of mobile communication technology influences face-to-face conversation quality. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 30(3): 237-246.