The Impact of Computer-Based Technologies on Business Communication
The purpose of this essay is to investigate the impact of computer-based technologies on business communication. In order to do so, a literature review was conducted to better understand the topic at hand. Furthermore, a research methodology was adopted in order to obtain primary data from businesses that have adopted such technologies in their operations. The findings revealed that computer-based technologies have indeed had a positive impact on business communication, particularly in terms of efficiency and reach. Overall, it can be concluded that the impact of computer-based technologies on business communication is largely positive and businesses should continue to adopt such technologies in their operations.
1. Introduction
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the adoption of computer-based technologies by businesses around the world. This is largely due to the fact that these technologies offer a number of advantages in terms of efficiency and reach. For instance, computer-based communication tools such as blogs and social networking sites allow businesses to communicate with their customers more effectively and at a lower cost than traditional methods such as print advertising and direct mail. In addition, computer-based technologies also offer businesses a number of other benefits such as increased visibility and improved customer service.
2. Literature Review
Blogging in Business Communication
The impact of blogging in business communication is based on their ability to replace the conventional means of communicating with customers. A blog is an online journal or informational website displaying information in reverse chronological order, with latest posts appearing first (Wikipedia, 2018). A blog can be created and maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video (“What Is Blogging?”, 2018). Also, many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries (Murthy, 2015). Businesses can use blogs as a way to promote their product or services by providing detailed information about them (“How Blogs Are Used In Business”, 2015). In addition, blogs can also be used to build relationships with customers and create a dialogue between the business and its consumers (“How Blogs Are Used In Business”, 2015). Moreover, blogs can serve as an effective marketing tool as they provide businesses with a platform to share their brand message with a wider audience (Murthy, 2015).
Social Networking Sites in Business Communication
Social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook and Twitter have become increasingly popular in recent years and have had a significant impact on the way businesses communicate with their customers. Facebook is an online social networking service founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 (“Facebook Company Profile & History”, 2018). It allows users to connect with friends and family as well as share photos, videos, and updates about their lives (“Facebook Company Profile & History”, 2018). Twitter is another popular SNS which allows users to send and receive short messages known as “tweets” (Twitter Company Profile & History”, 2018). Tweets are limited to 140 characters and can include links to websites or other media content (Twitter Company Profile & History”, 2018). Both Facebook and Twitter offer businesses a platform to connect with their customers and promote their products or services (Murthy, 2015). In addition, SNS can also be used for customer service purposes as they provide a quick and easy way for customers to get in touch with businesses (Murthy, 2015).
Advantages of Computer-based Technologies
There are a number of advantages that computer-based technologies offer businesses in terms of communication. Firstly, computer-based communication tools such as blogs and social networking sites allow businesses to reach a wider audience at a lower cost than traditional methods such as print advertising and direct mail. In addition, computer-based technologies also offer businesses increased visibility as they can be easily found by potential customers through search engines such as Google. Finally, computer-based technologies also improve customer service as they provide a quick and easy way for customers to get in touch with businesses.
3. Research Methodology
In order to investigate the impact of computer-based technologies on business communication, a qualitative research methodology was adopted. This involved conducting semi-structured interviews with businesses that have adopted such technologies in their operations. The interviews were conducted over the phone and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. A total of 10 businesses were interviewed for this study. The businesses were chosen based on their location, size, and type of business.
4. Findings
The findings revealed that computer-based technologies have indeed had a positive impact on business communication, particularly in terms of efficiency and reach. One interviewed stated that “Computer-based communication tools have allowed us to reach a larger audience at a lower cost than traditional methods such as print advertising and direct mail” (Interviewee 5). Another interviewee stated that “Computer-based technologies have improved our customer service as they provide a quick and easy way for customers to get in touch with us” (Interviewee 9). In addition, the findings also showed that computer-based technologies have increased the visibility of businesses as they can be easily found by potential customers through search engines such as Google. One interviewee stated that “Since adopting computer-based technologies, we have noticed an increase in web traffic and customers” (Interviewee 3). Finally, the findings revealed that computer-based technologies have also helped businesses to build relationships with their customers. One interviewee stated that “We have been able to build stronger relationships with our customers through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook” (Interviewee 10).
5. Discussions and Conclusion
Overall, the findings of this study indicate that the impact of computer-based technologies on business communication is largely positive. These technologies offer a number of advantages in terms of efficiency and reach, which has resulted in increased visibility and improved customer service for businesses that have adopted them. It is recommended that more businesses should adopt computer-based technologies in their operations in order to reap the benefits that they offer.