Globalization has led to an increased use of technology-based communication. While we focused on the United States in our previous blog post, we are now switching the focus to Europe. The stats indicate that those in Europe tend to focus on voice-to-voice, face-to-face, and e-mail to e-mail dialogues in a similar manner to those in the U.S. A white paper from Manpower found that 13-percent of the European workforce can be considered teleworkers in that most or all of their work is done virtually. This percentage is much higher in the U.S. Cisco’s Economist Intelligence Unit surveyed 862 business leaders from the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific across 19 different industries. Three-quarters of those surveyed felt that face-to-face communication is essential to success. However, time zones, funds, and cultural differences play a role in the way an organization disseminates information.. When choosing a mode of communication consider the following:
- Does your Message Require Documentation?
When a written record of a message is required, memos, e-mails, and other mediums based on writing, are the safest bet. The information can’t be considered hear-say, as it potentially could in a face-to-face conversation. Recipients will also be able to refer back to written messages when necessary.
- Do you Need Feedback Quickly?
Information Today Europe, stated European leaders found the lack of visual and audio cues in virtual platforms and e-mail make it difficult to determine levels of engagement. The key way to keep coworkers, clients, management, shareholders, and employees engaged is to hold a face-to-face meeting. Feedback is immediate when issues or ideas are discussed in-person. Verbal communication is the fastest, most reliable way to exchange information, particularly if it’s complex.
- Are Distance and Cost Preventing Face-to-Face Meetings?
The Economist Intelligence Unit published a report that found 64-percent of European executives use videoconferencing regularly. Working solely online, with no nonverbal or voice cues, causes projects to be drawn out and rife with misunderstanding. The report said that videoconferencing and conference calls increased because of large cutbacks in corporate travel allowances. In situations where it’s necessary to build trust and loyalty, yet travel is out of the question, voice-to-voice and videoconferencing are the best bets. Synchronous communication (real-time) eliminates time lapses. Both conference calls and videoconferencing allow for tone of voice and other cues to lessen misunderstandings. However, videoconferencing takes it to the next level because participants are able to rely on eye contact, facial expressions, and even limited body language to interpret information.
- Do You Need to Build Camaraderie and Trust?
Study after study proves that face-to-face meetings are the most effective way to build rapport, understanding, and trust. The Economist piece stated that teams, whether virtual or not, should have offline meetings every few months. This also prevents feelings of detachment and a lack of motivation, while enhancing the belief that a professional is an important part of a team or organization.
- Do You Know Your Audience?
If pitching a product or service to senior citizens, there is a good chance that they will prefer either face-to-face or voice-to-voice communication. If the audience is younger, e-mail and social media can do the trick. In a paper for Innovation & Environment: Regions of Europe Sharing Solutions the author said, “to be effective you need to address and think about the target audience every time you communicate.” Face-to-face and voice-to-voice are efficient ways to get a message across to a relatively small group. Virtual tools are best to reach a wider audience.
It’s evident that European professionals have also embraced virtual means of communication. In industries where global connections exist, it is imperative that employers and employees are familiar with the different types of technology. Similar to U.S. findings, European professionals still find face-to-face the best way to disseminate information. When this isn’t a reality, blending forms of communication has proven to be successful.
Posted on December 3, 2012 by ireconnect
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