E-Mail vs. Oral Communication

Communication

Effective Communication in the Age of Technology: The Importance of Oral Communication in the Business Environment

The role that communication plays in the business environment is vital, since it keeps an organization knowledgeable about each member and/or department's activities and accomplishments. Furthermore, it allows members to become aware of other members of the company, although interaction may not be possible for all members and the organization's departments. Indeed, Henri Fayol has elucidated on the important function of communication in business: "In dealing with a business matter or giving an order which requires explanation to complete it, usually it is simpler and quicker to do so verbally than in writing. Besides, it is well-known that differences and misunderstandings which a conversation could clear up grow more bitter in writing. Thence it follows that, whenever possible, contacts should be verbal; there is a gain in speed, clarity and harmony."

In the said passage, Fayol emphasizes on the importance of oral communication in business communications. This assertion, if applied in the context of the present state of communications in the business sector, may no longer be applicable because of the prevalence of electronic mail (e-mail) and instant messaging, communication technologies made possible through the Internet. The convenience that e-mail and instant messaging provides in conducting business communications is indeed, convenient, since users need not meet with the other users and communications can be conducted anywhere, especially if an individual is not available in the office or is located in another area (state or country).

However, Fayol's statement is still applicable in the present state of business communications. In fact, his call for effective oral communication is more vital than ever, since business communications nowadays has become the core of conducting business, with the proliferation of information -- and service-oriented businesses. Despite the convenience of communication technologies, there are still important features of oral communication that makes it an imperative in business communications.

Kreitner (1995) takes into account two (2) important features of oral communication that is not sufficiently accomplished through e-mail, instant messaging, and other forms of communication technology. He considers "personal barriers" such as non-verbal communication as an important feature to consider when conducting business with other people. The lack of physical interaction between two people or among members of the organization results to inefficient communication and decision-making, primarily because people cannot "see the expressed idea and attitude from the other person's point-of-view, to sense how it feels to him, to achieve his frame of reference in regard to the thing he is talking about" (389).