taylor@hplabsc.UUCP (02/14/87)
I've noted what I feel is a significant effect: People often feel freer to say what they think. This can be useful. In a previous organisation I was a senior manager trying to keep in contact, and I am sure the mail system allowed me to stay in contact with my people in a way that was not possible before (quite apart from geographical problems). Basically, someone will communicate with their manager (hopefully), but is reluctant to go much higher without care and even an appointment. Under email, everyone seems more equal. I got views and opinions from quite junior people that I am sure they would not have offered if they had to phone me (an interruption) or come and see me. Of course, some might think such non-disciplined communication is undesirable, but that is another matter. Tony Voss, Praxis Systems
taylor@hplabsc.UUCP (02/17/87)
Tony Voss notes:
>Under email, everyone seems more equal.
Quite so. However, I would say that the ability to write well in
email (or computer conferencing) carries with it some added credibility
in the use of these media. A more literate junior person can run
circles around a less literate boss, for instance. Perhaps people
uncomfortable with the written (electronic) word avoid the medium.