Using Communication Technology

Communication technology not only changes the face of organizations, but can support organizations in their strive to become learning organizations. In Using Communication Technology, Bettina BA chel examines the relationship between information technology and organizations from a range of perspectives, and highlights the managerial implications stemming from this relationship. * From an individual perspective, she investigates knowledge workers criteria in choosing various communication technologies * From an organizational perspective, she examines the relationship between new communication technologies and structural characteristics of organizations, with particular reference to centralization, hierarchy of authority, the role of middle management and participation of knowledge workers in decision making * From a processual perspective, she discusses the contribution of information technology for organizational learning Analysis is based on theoretical work in organizational studies, management and computer science, and draws upon case studies from companies in Europe and Asia. This book provides managers with guidelines for individual choice among communication media and goes on to suggest means of evaluating the outcome of communication technology strategy. The author shows how organizational use of communication technologies can lead the way towards the creation of knowledge organizations.