COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Communication Technologies

Today the world is considered as a global village, this has happened only due to the increase in communication

technology. The world is becoming smaller and smaller because of the use of highly advanced communication tools. An example of communication technology is teleconferencing. Teleconferencing is a telephone call between two or more people. The most simple form of teleconferencing is using three-way calling to setup your own teleconference between yourself and two other participants. More advanced PBX equipment can setup conference calls between more than three participants. Most businesses choose to use a teleconferencing service instead of purchasing and maintaining their own teleconferencing systems. Another advancement in the communication is the fax which is know as facsimile. It is a telecommunication technology used to transfer copies of documents, especially using affordable devices operating over the telephone network. The device is also known as a telecopier in certain industries. When sending documents to people at large distances, faxes have a

distinct advantage over postal mail in that the delivery is nearly instantaneous, yet its disadvantages in quality have relegated it to a position beneath email as the prevailing form of electronic document transferral.

Personal experience:

My personal experience in communication technology, one of my cousin lives in Australia and I talk to him on skpe and yahoo messenger through a webcam which has helped me to communicate better. I feel as though he is sitting next to me and having a coffee along with me when I chat with him.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_technology

http://www.isomatic.co.uk/WBStandards.htm#Introduction

http://www.tech-faq.com/pbx.shtml

COMMUNICATION THEORY

COMMUNICATION THEORY
Communication is the production and exchange of information and meaning by use of signs and symbols. It involves encoding and sending messages, receiving and decoding them, and synthesizing information and meaning. Communication permeates all levels of human experience and it is central to understanding human behavior and to nearly all public health efforts aimed at fostering health behavior change among individuals, populations, organizations, communities, and societies.
Communication may be studied empirically and critically at different levels of interaction. These levels, often described on a "micro-to-micro" continuum are "intra-personal" (how individuals process information), "inter-personal" (how two individuals interact to influence one another), group (how communication dynamics occur among many individuals), formal and informal "organizations" (how communication occurs and functions in the context of organizations such as hospitals, schools, or public health agencies), and "community" and "society" (how communication builds or changes the agenda of important issues).
Empirical study means applying scientific methods to the study of communication; as in the study of behavior change resulting from exposure to a communication campaign. Critical study means applying methods of cultural, literary, or normative criticism to the study of communication; as in the analysis of how media content creates health-related meaning and influences behavioral norms through commercial advertising or entertainment.
Many fields emphasize the importance of communication theory as a basis for understanding human behavior. For the field of public health, the use of applied communication perspectives involves how communication activity positively or negatively contributes to health behavior, and how the planned use of communication influences health behavior within the context of health education and health promotion.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_theory

COMMUNICATING STRATEGICALLY

Strategic communication doesn’t necessarily require enormous time or resources. Instead, it involves a way of thinking about communication one that places communication squarely in the broader context of strategic organizational change. What is required is a senior-level commitment to actively leading a coordinated change effort with specific objectives. The creation of the initial announcement and communication strategy requires the active, hands-on involvement of top leaders. The transition period provides opportunities to use communication to build support, increase participation, and maintain performance during a period of instability and uncertainty. In the latter stages of change, strategic communication helps to sustain momentum and keep the organization focused on critical priorities and objectives. Under any circumstances, strategic communication provides a conceptual approach and some guiding principles that can substantially increase the effectiveness of leadership in today’s complex organizations.


Setting an effective organizational strategy is very vital for an organization. It has various steps involved like determining the objectives of the communication, deciding what resources are available like money, time and human resources. Organizations must also determine what kind of reputation they have with the constituencies. The next most important function in a communication strategy is to analyze its constituencies. The companies have to look into who are its primary and secondary constituencies because each company will have a different set of constituencies depending on their nature, size and reach of their business. In addition to this companies have to assess what each constituency thinks about their organization. The company should also determine what each knows and feels about the communication in question. A company which has a bad reputation will have a tough time to communicate its message.



Example: Toyota had always been known for its quality products. But people didn't know that Toyota was a creative corporate working on projects that impact everyday lives. To convey this image, Toyota engaged in eco-friendly activities, participated in motor sports such as Formula One and practiced philanthropy.


Refernces:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Communication
http://www.toyota.com/about/our_values/index.html

The Changing Environment of Business

One of the most important reasons for changes in the business environment is due to globalization. For example, Organizations such as General Motors have to worry not only about what Chrysler and Ford are doing, but also what Toyota, Volkswagen, and BMW are doing as well. In fact, Chrysler is not just “Chrysler” anymore. It is now a conglomeration of European, North American, and Asian manufacturers known as DaimlerChrysler. Therefore mangers need to have certain skills in knowing how to analyze and improve the ability of an organization to survive and grow in a complex and changing world. This means that managers must have a set of tools that enables them to grasp the complexity of the organization's environment.

The job of every manager involves what is known as the functions of management: planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. Managers have to understand that business environment is constantly evolving. Therefore they have to keep updating their knowledge on all the management functions.

THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE CIO

Personal Experience

One of my personal experiences on the changing business environment is on booking of my travel tickets. Before when I use to book tickets for my travel, I use go to a travel agent and then ask him for information and make my payments through cash or cheque. But now, I book all my tickets online and make payments through credit cards. This means that the companies have improved the technology in their business environment and have created virtual market place for their customers.

References

http://aaahq.org/pubs/AESv16/chapter2.pdf

http://www.ilocarib.org.tt/oldwww/infsources/productivity/WorkersProductivityTolentino.htm