Workers increasingly rely on means of technology-mediated communication in the workplace. Besides email, workers commonly utilize tools, such as instant messaging and virtual meeting spaces, to regularly interact with coworkers and clients. Do some research using The Wall Street Journal and locate an article related to technology-mediated communication in the workplace. Summarize your key findings from the article using the questions below to frame your discussion.
How do you think such tools impact interpersonal dynamics in the workplace?
What are the benefits and challenges of these tools?
How might those challenges be overcome through conscious leadership?
Full Answer Section
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Benefits and Challenges: What are the main advantages and disadvantages of these tools as presented in the article? Examples of benefits could be faster communication or improved collaboration across locations. Challenges might include information overload or difficulty in conveying tone through text.
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Conscious Leadership: Does the article discuss the role of leadership in managing these communication tools? If so, how can conscious leaders (leaders who are self-aware, ethical, and mindful of stakeholder needs) address the challenges and maximize the benefits of technology-mediated communication?
Example Analysis (using a hypothetical article):
Let's say you find an article titled "The Double-Edged Sword of Slack: How Instant Messaging is Changing Workplace Communication." The article might discuss how Slack, an instant messaging platform, allows for quicker exchange of ideas and project updates but can also lead to a constant feeling of being "on" and information overload.
In terms of conscious leadership, the article could suggest that leaders establish clear guidelines for Slack communication, including appropriate times for communication and expectations for response times. This can help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed.