Communication methods: advantages and disadvantages

Communication Methods

Company Socials -- Socials and parties are an excellent way for colleagues to net work and get acquainted on a more personal level. Socials provide a time for people to share some recreational activities and have positive reflection on the jobs that they do together. Social activities can help team become closer and foster a strong sense of teamwork. Socials have drawbacks because a social activity isn't always the best time to discuss issues or problems at work, and co-workers that do have any serious issues or concerns may find it hard to avoid serous discussions during social activities.

Presentations and Speeches -- Presentations and speeches are an excellent way to introduce new concepts, ideas or plans to a large group. These are also excellent opportunities to share company news and progress. The drawback can be that any kind of personal or sensitive news may be hard to deliver through a speech or presentation. For example, a company doing layoffs would not be able to effectively communicate with all employees through a speech or presentation and would have to make direct contact with each individual.

Email -- Email is an excellent way to exchange information and communicate at a distance. It is also a good way to document the exchange of information. The drawback with email is that confidential documents can be shared. Also many workers or supervisors may fall into a habit of airing grievances over email rather than engaging in face-to-face conversations. People can often be more direct in writing and may replace this for face-to-face communication.

face-to-face -- Face-to Face conversations are critical and useful when a team needs to complete a project or a task and there are many details to be discussed. Decisions and plans often require input from all team members and conversations are clearest and most useful when they occur face-to-face. Also sensitive issues of employee performance, evaluation, or advancement should always take place face-to-face. The drawback with these conversations is that some participants made not be prepared to take an active role. People should always enter these conversations with some kind of written agenda so all participants can speak their minds

Teleconferencing -- Teleconferencing is an excellent way to connect very distant team member together for meetings. A meeting can be conducted almost as if it is face-to face. The drawback is that equipment can often have difficulties or, in some cases participants may not be as engaged as they are in person.

Scenarios

Scenario 1

A face-to-face meeting is the best approach for this issue of lateness and general messiness in the workplace. This employee's behavior is showing a lack of regard for policies, and if it continues they will need to be formally reprimanded. In cases such as these it's critical to take a direct approach, express concerns, and try to find out if anything out of the ordinary is affecting this employee's behavior. Approaches such as sending a memo or using email to address these time of concerns run the risk of miscommunication or making the supervisor appear resistant or avoidant to direct communication about performance issues. Face-to face conversations are direct and set the stage for later interventions if the become necessary.

Scenario 2

A presentation or meeting is the best way to inform employees about a special event. If for example, your company is going to host a conference it is important for employees to know exactly why the company decided to do this and what part employees will play. Creating a presentation about the special event and presenting it to the company will allow employees to feel involved in the event. Later methods for follow-up can include memos or emails, but if it is an important event being planned its best to inform employees through meetings, and if necessary, have division managers also present additional information.

Scenario 3