Introduction
To begin with, it should be emphasized that it is generally stated that business communication is generally used to promote a product, service, or organization. Business communication is the way to collect the necessary information on the business or market situation. Communication tools, such as emails and social networks, are aimed at simplifying the managing process and dealing with the consumers, partners, suppliers, etc.
Computer-Based Communication Technologies in Business
Wikis
Business wikis are regarded to be among the most powerful business communication tools, which are classified as Enterprise 2.0 tools. Originally, the effect of this tool is essential, as it is capable of transforming the nature of communication within any company. As for the impact of the wiki tool on the communication structure, it should be stated that business wiki can create a synergy of the communication process that is forwarded from bottom to top, while initially this process is intended from flowing from top to bottom.
The fact is that wikis are generally designed for a simple use of the collaborative tools. It is aimed at simplifying the content management of business communication, thus simplifying the process itself and clearing it from unnecessary elements. Thus, it changes the way business is performed.
Another feature which is attributed to wiki tools is that it transforms business communication in accordance with the global communication necessities, thus, enhancing the scales of the communication process if necessary. The importance of this feature may be explained by the fact that currently, lots of projects are elaborated by specialists from all over the world, thus, using wiki tools, they are able to share their experience on the project and discuss all the necessary aspects of the joint work. From this point of view, it should be stated that FAQs and knowledge bases are no longer necessary , as they are replaced by wiki tools. Martin (2007) in his research emphasizes the following notion: “The information technology department can make use of a wiki by using it as a surrogate knowledge base that employees can use to solve the most common problems such as what to do when the database is unavailable, mail isn’t being delivered, or documents aren’t printing. The human resources department can utilize a wiki in maintaining an up-to-date employee handbook, dispensing information about health and plans, and making general office announcements.” Thus, any company or department which is dependable on the information flow and properly adjusted business communication can rely on wiki tools for using them in streamlining communication channels.
Business Case
The real example of success in using wiki tools is related to Global Composite Company, which used wiki tools in its business communication. Parkinson (in Du-Babcock, 2006) states the following fact: “Collaboration, discovery, knowledge sharing, collective success, communication, fun and individual recognition are what wiki tools are all about” Originally, this was the pilot project, when up to 2700 workers of the company were using the internet services based on wiki engine, and use these services for business communication only. Thus, TransUnion, spent $ 50,000 on a wiki platform elaboration, yielded a $ 2.5 million saving in less than 5 months and an estimated $5 to $8 million in total savings just in the first year.
Emails
Originally, in spite of the fact of constant development, emailing is now regarded as the outdated technology. Emails are often used for sending attached documents, nevertheless, it is not suitable for instant messaging. Thus, emails are used for technical documentation exchange only.
Nevertheless, in spite of the fact that emails can are not the most popular tool of communication, it has changed the image of business communication completely. The main advantage of email is its availability and mobility. Managers can access their email accounts staying anywhere via laptop, cell phone or PDA. Thus, the main factor, attributable to emailing, which impacts business communication is the mobility and large-scale involvement (up to 87,9% of internet users send emails regularly). From this point of view, it should be stated that the effects of emailing on business communication is rather essential, and in no way impedes its development.
On the one hand it does not provide its development, as the opportunities of this communication tool are essentially restricted. On the other hand, it helps emphasize the business character of the message, and hinder any social interaction. According to Spaeth (2008): “The use of email to avoid conflict or sending bad or negative feedback should be avoided. Messages can also easily be misconstrued. “Because it is so difficult to convey via email that something was meant ironically, misunderstandings are common and can lead to major fights. Usually, that’s neither wonderful nor funny.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a strong necessity to mention that the use of wiki tools and emailing is aimed at improving the business communication process and in no way impedes it. Originally, both have revolutionized the communication process and completely changed the origins and outlooks of business communication processes. Both tend to globalize the communication process and improve the information flow by increasing the speed of the flow and removing the unnecessary and harmful elements of communication.
References
Du-Babcock, B. (2006). Teaching Business Communication: Past, Present, and Future. The Journal of Business Communication, 43(3), 253
Martin N. (2007) Keep Your Eyes on the Eiiterphse: Emails, Wikis, Blogs, and Corporate Risk. Web.
Perkins, Bart (2008) The Pitfalls of Social Networking Computerworld, 2008; 42, 7; ABI/INFORM Global pg. 44
Spaeth Merrie (2008) The Next Generation of Communication. Texas Banking, 2008; 97, 8; ABI/INFORM Global pg. 10