Description: The drawbacks of digital technology are discussed. Digital natives seem to have different ideas about what is and is not appropriate in today’s workplace than do digital immigrants.

Source: Wall Street Journal Online

Date: December 2, 2011

Questions for discussion:

1. Discuss the implications for communication effectiveness and efficiency between today’s popular media (e.g., texting, Twitter), slightly older media (e.g., e-mail), and the ever-present face-to-face meeting.
2. What type of communication barriers are created by digital technology?
3. How does the use of digital technology in meetings affect (the perception of) active listening? Why would this matter?
4. Review the graphic on channel richness. Why is Anna Post correct when she says definitely fire someone in person and not by e-mail? What forms of organizational communication would be appropriate for digital technologies?