Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Computer technology has had a major impact on the business environment and, consequently, on business communication. While computers significantly increase productivity, ignoring human considerations in automating offices leads to employee resistance . As computer technology continues to change, it will undoubtedly have a major impact on patterns of communication within organizations. Because successful implementation of automation depends upon how well employees are prepared for the change, business communication practitioners and educators must develop programs which synthesize research, training, and evaluation to help businesses anticipate the effects these changes will have on communication patterns. In this way business communication practitioners can clarify the purposes, processes, and effects of computer automation for employees, and develop an educational curriculum which prepares employees and business students for the future business environment.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bikson, T.K. , B.A. Gutek , and D.A. Mankin , "Implementations of Information Technology in Office Settings: Review of Relevant Literature," The Rand Paper Service, (November 1981).

Desmond, J. , "Computer Crashes: A Case of Mind Over Matter?" Computerworld , (June 11, 1984), p. 1.

Friedrich, O. , "The Computer Moves In," Time , 3 (January 1983), pp. 14-24.

Gallant, J. , "He Tracks Mass Media's Changing Image of Computers," Computerworld, (April 12, 1984), p. 22.

Gordetsky, G.R. , "Management's Challenge: The Adjustment of Man to Machine," Office, (June 1984), p. 78.

Housel, T.J. , "AT&T Interviews and Hires Via Teleconference ," Communication World, (January 1985), pp. 30-31.

Keen, P.G. , "Communications in the 21st Century: Telecommunications and Business Policy," Organizational Dynamics, 10, No. 2 (1981), pp. 57-67.

Kaufer, D. , Conversation with author. (November 1983).

Kornbluh, M. , "The Electronic Office: How Will It Change the Way You Work?" The Futurist, (June 1982 ), pp. 37-42.

10.

Kotter, J.P. , "What Effective General Managers Really Do ." Harvard Business Review, (November-December 1982), pp. 156-167.

11.

Long, J.E. , "The Office of 1990: Management," Management World , (January 1982), pp. 11-41.

12.

Mankin, D. , T.K. Bikson , and B. Gutek , "The Office of the Future: Prison or Paradise," The Futurist, (January 1982) pp. 33-36.

13.

McKendrick, J. , "The Office of 1990: Human Resources," Management World, (January 1982), pp. 15-17.

14.

Pilla, L. , "The Office of 1990: Automation," Management World , (January 1982), pp. 18-24.

15.

Poppel, H.L. , "Who Needs the Office of the Future?" Harvard Business Review, (November-December 1982), pp. 146-155.

16.

Quible, Z. and J.N. Hammer , "Office Automation's Impact on Personnel," Personnel Administrator, (September 1984), pp. 25-32.

17.

Renfro, W.L. , "Second Thoughts on Moving the Office Home ," The Futurist, (June 1982), pp. 43-48.

18.

Sypher, H. , B. Sypher , and T.J. Housel , "The Effectiveness of IBM's Communication Programs," unpublished manuscript, (February 1985).

19.

Practicum , " Automation Issues," Training and Development Journal , (July 1984), p. 13.

The Role of Business Communications Practitioners in the Computer Age

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References