Submitted by: Submitted by kuwaitikowboy
Views: 333
Words: 764
Pages: 4
Category: Science and Technology
Date Submitted: 05/07/2012 12:46 PM
Technology and Virtual Groups: Working Together Apart
* Virtual Groups
* A small group whose members interact by means of electronic technologies
* Three primary characteristics that make them different from conventional groups
* Members are spread out across multiple locations and/or time zones
* Incorporates members from different cultures speaking multiple languages and having diverse backgrounds.
* Membership is less stable than normal groups
* Virtual groups are made possible due to technology.
* Internet, e-mail, fax, phones, video, and voice mail
* Text only messaging such as e-mail or text messaging/instant messaging
* A positive is that large amounts of information is available to the group
* A negative is that information overload can be easily produced and will create unreasonable expectations
* Also, it is very hard to determine the complete message from a person using text only communications
* Audioconferences
* Voice-Only Technology
* Allows several individuals at different locations to conduct a joint meeting over the telephone or other voice only technology
* Conference calls should be necessary, focused, organized, and short.
* Videoconferences
* Sight and Sound
* Provides non-verbal cues such as facial expression, gestures, posture and eye contact which are a drawback of teleconferencing
* Main drawback is the cost of the equipment required
* Technology has removed the restriction of distance between groups
* Being able to communicate over vast distances removes group members from physical proximity with each other
* What works well in face to face communication may not work well in virtual group communication
* Decision Making: The Quality of the Output
* Virtual groups working under time constraints do not work as well as face to face groups
* Text only technology may slow...