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Uncategorized - Written by on Monday, August 11, 2008 14:49 - 5 Comments

Naumi Haque
How efficient is synchronous communication?

There always seems to be some debate as to how synchronous communications tools like instant messaging affect productivity. The younger Net Generation workers in the office tend to love it – preferring it over e-mail. The affinity for instant messaging comes from years of growing up with it and using it for communication among friends; but, do the benefits really carry into a work environment? I personally don’t use IM because I find it kills my productivity, but there are others that swear by it. Is it because they grew up using it, or is it truly more efficient?

Think about other synchronous methods of communications, such as phone calls, and even face-to-face conversations. Anecdotally, people talk about “getting more work done at home, away from distractions” or the time wasted in meetings and conference calls. How then is it that instant messaging is so different?

I’ve been thinking about if for a little while and I’m becoming increasingly convinced that synchronous communications of all kinds, while sometimes necessary, are not necessarily the most efficient way to get work done.

Proponents of the technology say that synchronous communication lets you get answers to your problems quickly. True; but what about the disruption of workflow for those receiving messages or calls? The example works fine in an environment like school or university where time management is fluid and distractions abound, but what about in an eight-hour work day (or forty-hour week) within which there are defined project tasks that require sustained concentration? How well does it work in a global business environment with disparate time zones? Moreover, most synchronous tools are designed for individual-to-individual communication. Would it be more efficient to be able to put a problem out to a larger number of individuals, in a more collaborative, yet asynchronous way?

I’m thinking of pitching this as an idea for a research paper next year. Any thoughts? How important is synchronicity in business communication?



5 Comments

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Brennan
Aug 11, 2008 15:56

I’m 24 and use msn messenger and facebook often. I’m also a staff accountant.

I find that instant messaging is useful when you need to collaborate. When you need to finish a project by yourself though, it can be extremely counterproductive. It really all depends on the type of work you’re doing.

For example, if I’m putting a file together by myself, instant messaging slows me down. On the other hand, if I’m working on an audit with 10 other people, it can be useful.

Daniel
Aug 11, 2008 17:36

I agree with Brennan on when-to-IM, and Naumi on how-to-maximize, but I think the key is consciousness. I have problems with people who think it is social hour all the time, not valuing their time or mine. The real question is, how does on meekly convey the gravity of needing your own time to think by yourself, and focus. As this technology becomes more normal over the next 20 years, I believe we will be conscious of how this dynamic plays out. A level of etiquette will need to begin, otherwise we’re always going to be doing poor work or being distracted. I find myself picking work partners based on their IM etiquette. How’s that for a sudden realization on a Monday afternoon.

Wikinomics » Blog Archive » Living the Dream with Google Docs
Aug 11, 2008 21:07

[...] in the document. It was really cool, and it was really functional. Earlier today, Naumi argued that sometimes synchonous work is overrated, this was not one of those [...]

Carmi
Aug 29, 2008 15:06

I’ve always looked at IM as a productivity-killer. When I’m working on a project, the incessant popping up and beeping can throw my focus off to a significant degree. I usually turn everything off so that I can work in peace.

If someone needs a quick response to something, they can still send me an e-mail. As part of my workflow, I check my inbox at specific intervals during the day. If it can’t wait, I suppose they can call me. But I don’t cut people’s hearts open for a living, so how urgent can it be?

And that’s where I think we’ve gone off the rails: We’ve convinced ourselves that instant, always-on access is critical to our well-being. I doubt that, and suspect the cons outweigh the pros by a significant amount. This is clearly a case where the new technology has vastly outstripped the behaviours and other human factors that are affected in the process.

Nicely said. I’d be interested to see where your research paper takes this. Don’t be shy if you need additional perspective.

Sara Latif
Aug 29, 2008 18:37

I think it’s a really interesting research question. People say all sorts of things but it doesn’t always reflect the reality of their actions, hence researching it would be useful. IM is not really relevant for what I do, so similarly doesn’t it depend on what kind of work/projects etc you are doing? I think that it can waste a considerable amount of time but surely it depends on the user. Spoken like a true psychologist, but then you are posing a question about human nature.

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