CMC
[Computer-Mediated Communiction]
Definition – What
is CMC???
Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) can be define as
Ø Process in which
human data interaction occurs through one or more networked telecommunication
systems. A CMC interaction occurs through various types of networking
technology and software, including email, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), instant
messaging (IM), Usenet and mailing list servers. (technopedia,
2003)
Here,
I also will share about advantages and disadvantages of CMC…
There
are…
v
Informal
Learning
Just recently Keith Ferrazzi,
author of "Never Eat Alone" and "Who’s Got Your Back" sat
down with the Harvard Business Review to discuss his experience with CMC and
virtualization. During the interview, Ferrazzi brings up one of the greatest
disadvantages of virtual teams and that is the lack of informal and impromptu
learning that happens in the physical workspace; the conversation at the water
cooler or happy hour with the boss disappears in a virtual setting.
This informal socialization plays an important
role in our traditional work environment. When Ferrazzi himself faced some
challenges with his own company’s virtual work environment he asked himself
“…where is the informal learning, informal collaboration?” (Ferrazzi 2012) I
think we can all agree that a significant amount of learning transpires in
these impromptu interactions. Without these social opportunities, virtual teams
will struggle to create strong relationships.
v
Miscommunication
/ Non-verbal Cues
It should come as no surprise that one of the
biggest risks faced amongst virtual teams is miscommunication. This is not only
due to the inherent challenges of cross cultural communications but also the
challenges set forth by the media itself. We see this in the lack of non-verbal
cues in the virtual world and the challenge this poses. It is easy to
underestimate the impact of nonverbal communication until one enters into a
world devoid of these cues. In such a world it becomes important for one to
learn how to digitally express emotions.
v
Relationship
Building
According to Daniel Levy in his book “Group
Dynamics for Teams” all teams begin by going through certain stages of
development; one of which is group socialization. Levy states that “…developing
the group is important. Time must be spent developing social relations and
socializing new members, establishing goals and norms, and defining the
project.” (Levi,2011)
v
Collaboration
One of the biggest benefits of the virtual office is the
ability to join together the best resources to accomplish a task irrespective
of their location. This allows for amazing collaboration amongst individuals
that before would have been limited based on geography. As Professor Charles
Steinfield from Michigan State University noted in his paper on virtual teams
“Firms can gain increased flexibility as teams with the proper expertise can be
formed quickly without regard to any member’s physical location.” (Steinfield
n.d.) This type of structure can have huge impact on a company’s speed to
market and ultimately its bottom line.
v
New Product
Development
One very important benefit to team virtualization can be
found in the area of new product development. Having a diverse set of opinions
can be very valuable when products are released to wider global marketplace.
This diversification of perspective can lead a product to be released much more
successfully than it otherwise would.
In addition, companies can rely more on their
workforce for market analysis versus paying large consulting fees for global
product surveys and such. This leads us to arguably the greatest benefit to
team virtualization; reduced cost.
v
Reduced Cost
Last but not least, we must consider the
benefit in reduced overhead and recruiting costs associated with traditional
work environments. In the age of technology and with the rise of the knowledge
worker it is no longer necessary to have brick and mortar locations to house
employees. Now more than ever technology allows companies to forgo the expense
of multimillion dollar campuses. Instead companies are benefiting not only from
the willingness but the desire for their employees to work remotely. Gone are
the days of sitting in traffic to get to your office an hour late to sit in
front of your computer. Now employees only need to walk down the hall to their
home office to start their workday.
Also, companies no longer have to foot the bill to relocate hard to find
talent to their city or state, instead they can pursue the talent they seek
from anywhere in the world. These cost savings not only directly impact the
bottom line, but more often than not they also provide a selling point to
potential employees. By attracting the best talent possible companies will
maximize their payroll dollars. (Denver Technology , 2012)
