Technology and Relationships: Positive and Negative Effects Research Paper

Introduction

The embracement of technology has become an inevitable concept in modern organizations that yearn for improved communication, delivery of services, and productivity. Companies that have effectively implemented technology in the promotion of communication processes find it easier to solve problems that are related to transactions and conflicts. This state of play has resulted in the reduction of time wastages and operation costs in an attempt to realize improved results. Other factors that have been regarded as the benefits of embracing robust communication include employee motivation, contentment, and improved performance. Most people, especially the Y generation, have been significantly influenced by the improved technology due to the ever-increasing usage of internet applications such as email, Facebook, and Twitter among others. The research proposal provides an analysis of two topics namely ‘the positive effects of using technology to communicate in an organization’ and ‘the negative impacts of using technology for individual and family communication’.

Literature Review

Technology and Communication in the Current World

According to Gardner, McNair, and Tietjen (2004), communication in the current business market has greatly reduced physical barriers that have been hindering various transactional processes. There is an improved usage of e-mails, teleconferencing, video conferencing, Facebook, and Twitter among other means (Gardner, McNair & Tietjen, 2004). This state of play has boosted virtual management in many organizations that transact in the global markets. Employee management has become easier owing to virtual communication that has reduced the necessity of physical interactions. The use of digital technology-enabled gadgets such as phones, tablets, and PCs has ensured that managers receive e-mails prompt information since they have inbuilt real-time alert systems that inform the receiver when an e-mail is received in the computers back in the office (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). As a result, they easily access such information and respond appropriately. Improved technology is viewed as a means to transform offices from physical to portable (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004).

Improved Decision-Making due to Communication in Technology

Gardner, McNair, and Tietjen (2004) attested that the Internet has ensured a quicker retrieval of information. The old-fashioned way of gathering the information required several days or even weeks. Contrastingly, today’s managers can effectively perform research online to compile large chunks of information in a comparatively shorter duration. This state of affairs ensures quick decision-making processes that are essential in the modern business environment where the scramble for market gaps and shares is inescapable (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). Communication is a tool that is used in the organization’s management in various aspects such as building effective teamwork, resolution of conflicts, and facilitation of interdepartmental meetings among other functions. Through communication, people share and interact with a view of understanding each other’s values, attitudes, beliefs, and weaknesses among other aspects (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004).

Globalization and improvement in technology have made communication a core element in the management of relationships with organizations. The development of communication systems is rapidly growing based on the nature of work arrangements, culture, and structure of modern organizations among other factors. Improvement in technology has further ensured the implementation of robust methods of passing information across teamwork and departmental units (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). As a result, communication is seen as the central element that controls the operations of the organization. Improvement in communication technology has been deemed to have positive effects such as employee motivation, reduction of costs, and trust-building among others (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004).

Effective Human Resource Management due to Improved Communication

Advancement in technology equipment such as fax machines, computers, video conferencing, and teleconferencing electronics among others has significantly promoted human resource management. There is a noteworthy improvement in productivity since most organizations are currently dealing with virtual teamwork that is dedicated to its duties in diverse geographical locations (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). Managers at the global level do not necessarily avail themselves of their physical capacities in various organizations due to the efficiency of well-managed virtual teamwork. Other benefits include reduced costs in outsourcing experts and traveling. Gardner, McNair, and Tietjen (2004) also noted that efficient communication management resulted in the recruitment of personnel on the digital platforms and increased job retention due to the selection of individuals with relevant qualifications. This set of circumstances led to reduced job stress and travel time. Most importantly, it has been associated with increased job satisfaction (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004).

Improved Marketing owing to State-of-the-Art Communication Technology

Communication is an aspect that improves the marketing functions of the organization. Currently, the use of virtual marketing has seen many organizations operate on a global scale. The use of the Internet ensures that products are marketed, distributed, and delivered to consumers promptly; hence, the practice saves the consumer’s time and money. The selling of the products has also been enhanced through the internet due to improved technology in communication due to the reduction of inventories in the organizations (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004).

Improved Competitive Advantage

Decision-making has been greatly improved through technological advancement in communication. Most companies currently adopt robust communication channels to gain a competitive advantage over their rivals. It also helps them forecast future operations, threats, and opportunities that determine the achievement of the operational goals. There is a competitive advantage due to the unparalleled availability of managers online who deal with problems that arise in a real-time manner. The Internet, especially the development of websites, also ensures that the companies embrace advanced customer service contacts to ensure effective cost reductions during their operations (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004).

Communication impacts on Relationships due to Advanced Technology

The revolution in communication has led to increased and value-added text messaging, social networking, and video chatting among other techniques that are used to create more business relationships. Such activities have led to different perceptions of communication in the current age. One of the issues that have raised concern is the relationships that exist among families and individuals (Hertlein, 2012). Many families currently own computers, tablets, and phones for communication. However, various negative impacts that are associated with improved technology in communication have been noted. For instance, improved communication has led to the isolation of some family members. This situation has been caused by the absence of face-to-face contacts amongst the individuals in a family (Hertlein, 2012). The tremendous increase in the usage of smartphones that offer networking services social such as Facebook, Skype, and Twitter among others have led to increased time wastage as family members engage in non-physical communication using the virtual tools. As a result, the essence of getting involved in one-on-one communication has been replaced by practices such as online chatting and video calling. Other disadvantages of improvement in communication technology include mistrust among family members and procrastination of duties among others (Hertlein, 2012).

Identification of the Knowledge Gap

Although many studies have elaborated on social networking and lack of physical connections as the main disadvantages of technological advancement in communication, the proposed research will provide an insight into other disadvantages that are not highlighted in the aforementioned literature. Furthermore, most of the studies identified have not highlighted the benefits that technology brings to the Generation Y in terms of the development of future operations of the organizations.

Problem Statement

There exists a plethora of information concerning technology and communication in both organizations and family circles. Improvement in the exchange of information during communication ensures that technological advancement is embraced in the organization. Improved communication is a strong foundation for a company’s improvement in production, connectivity, and quality of service delivery. Effective teamwork management is enhanced through robust communication practices that foster interaction and unity (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). In most organizations, improved communications technology is perceived as the basis of ensuring cost reduction, time-saving, and improved efficiency. However, how can improvement in communication technology be of greater advantage to the success of the organization?

Although most researchers have strongly defended the benefits of improved information technology and communication, various interaction complexities arise in the management of families and individuals because physical contacts are greatly cut. Regardless of improved connectivity of family members being seen as an improvement in the modern society, a lot of disconnect is currently exhibited due to improved technology, when in matters that pertain to physical engagements (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). The disconnect in the combined performance of duties as a family staying within the same locality is one of the disadvantages that have been brought about by the development and proliferation of state-of-the-art information and communication technology (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). Most of the studies only elaborate on the advantages of technology in communication at the family levels (Gardner, McNair, & Tietjen, 2004). The proposed study will seek to confirm the negative impacts of technology usage on both individuals and families.

Research Aim and Objectives

The proposed study will aim at two issues. At the outset, the research will be aimed at identifying the positive effects of adopting advanced communication methods at the organizational level. Secondly, it will seek to confirm the negative impacts of using technology on individuals and their relationships with their families. The following objectives have been chosen for conducting the study.

1. To confirm the negative impacts of using technology on the relationships between individuals and their families.
2. To identify various positive impacts of using advanced communication technology in the organization.
3. To identify various technologies that have been applied in communication among individuals and families.

Research Purpose

The primary purpose of the study is to identify various positive impacts of using improved communication technology in the organization. It will also confirm the negative impacts of using technology on the relationships between individuals and their families.

Hypotheses

The study will be based on the following hypotheses.

H₀₁: Implementation of technology in communication does not lead to positive impacts on the organization, individuals, and families.

H₀₂: Implementation of technology in communication leads to positive impacts on the organization, individuals, and families.

Main Research Questions

What positive impacts does technology usage on communication bring to an organization?

What negative effects does technology usage on communication bring to individuals and families?

Limitations of the Study

The study will only focus on the evaluation of the positive effects of communication technology used on an organization and families. The proposed research will also be limited to a qualitative research design and analysis. The results will not focus on the implementation of plans but the awareness creation to the organization’s management concerning the positive impacts of such practices on their operations. It will further warn individuals of the communication technology disadvantages that have adverse effects on their relationships with the family members. As a result, the findings will only generalize the available information for public awareness and academic purposes.

Variables

Various parameters that will be measured include dependent variables such as the positive impacts of using advanced communication systems on the operations of a company. It will also measure the adverse effects of using communications technology on the relationships between individuals and their families. The independent variable will encompass the effects of technology usage in both organizations and individuals.

Methodology

Research Design and Sampling plan

Since the proposed study will focus on two topics namely ‘the positive effects of using technology to communicate within the organization’ and ‘the negative impacts of using technology in the individual communication within their families’, the research will adopt a qualitative research design (De Choudhury et al., 2010). The research will be conducted in organizations that embrace the current technology in communication. It will seek to examine the employees who fall under generation Y or those who are conversant with the digital technology platform (De Choudhury et al., 2010).

Sampling Strategy and Research Instrument

The sample size selected will comprise 500 respondents. 400 individuals will be employees from different backgrounds and organizations. The remaining 100 respondents will consist of the top, middle, and front management staff. The respondents will be selected using the quasi-sampling method. Online questionnaires will be randomly administered to them. The research instruments will then be submitted online as agreed with the respondents (De Choudhury et al., 2010).

Sources of Data

Online questionnaires will be used in the collection of data. The questionnaire will be structured to show personal information about the respondent. It will contain closed, open-ended and multiple-choice questions. The instrument will be written in simple English for easier understanding by the respondents (De Choudhury et al., 2010). Data will also be obtained through observation of the technology that is adopted by the selected organizations.

Rationale for the Selection

Organizations that embrace current digital technology in communication were selected as the study sites since they regarded a robust relay of information as crucial to the improvement of productivity and market competition. The generation Y employees were chosen because they were deemed custodians of the digital technology in communication. They will be expected to provide a lot of information on the negative effects they experience due to the implementation of advanced communication systems. The sampling design chosen is also appropriate for the study since it will focus on the qualitative approach.

Data Analysis for Demographic Variables

The demographic variables that will be considered include age, marital status, education, and experience in the usage of technology. The variables will be analyzed using univariate analysis (or tables). The process will be accomplished using the SPSS version 21. The univariate analysis will indicate details about the age distribution frequencies, measures of central tendencies, and dispersion (De Choudhury et al., 2010).

Data Analysis for Study Variables

Inferential statistics will be used to elaborate on what will be inferred to the general condition of the study. Some of the checks that will be conducted include the t-test, Chi-Square, and one-way ANOVA among other multivariate methods (De Choudhury et al., 2010).

Validity and Reliability

The Pearson Moment Correlation will be used for testing the validity of the existing questionnaire. A 0.5 R-value will be set to test the validity. If the point is above the mark, the instrument will be deemed valid (De Choudhury et al., 2010). The reliability of the questionnaire will be measured using Cronbach’s Alpha at 0.5. In summary, both the validity and reliability of the instrument will be ensured to be positive to meet the requirements of the research (De Choudhury et al., 2010).

Research Ethics

This research will progress after seeking permission from the relevant authorities from the school and organizations where it will be conducted. The respondents will be issued with online consent forms to show their willingness to participate in the study. Upon acceptance, they will be included in the research (Miller, Birch, Mauthner, & Jessop, 2012).

Importance and Contribution of the Study

The importance of the research is to investigate the effects of using advanced communication techniques to organizational and family level activities. The knowledge that will be gathered from the research will inform the development of communication methods that are more robust with a view of solving the issues that arise from the adoption of advanced communications technology. This state of play will immensely contribute to the reconstruction of relationships at both the organizational and family levels.

Reference List

De Choudhury, M., Lin, Y., Sundaram, H., Candan, K., Xie, L., & Kelliher, A. (2010). How does the data sampling strategy impact the discovery of information diffusion in social media? ICWSM, 10(1), 34-41.

Gardner, C., McNair, J., & Tietjen, P. (2004). Communication in a Virtual Organisation (Managerial Communication Series, 3). Business Communication Quarterly, 67(2), 245-247.

Hertlein, K. (2012). Digital dwelling: Technology in couple and family relationships. Family Relations, 61(3), 374-387.

Miller, T., Birch, M., Mauthner, M., & Jessop, J. (2012). Ethics in qualitative research, London: Sage.