1. Obviously, the "Information Age" has arrived. What impact do you think it has on interpersonal communication? What are some of the positives and the negatives?
2. Specifically cite examples from the case where the human dimension is dysfunctional for advanced communication technologies. How can these problems be overcome?
3. With such communication systems in place, what impact does interactive communication now play? Is this good or bad for organizational outcomes?
Organizational Behavior Case: Doing My Own Thing
Rita Lowe has worked for the same boss for 11 years. Over coffee one day, her friend Sara asked her, "What is it like to work for old Charlie?" Rita replied, "Oh, I guess it's okay. He pretty much leaves me alone. I more or less do my own thing." Then Sara said, "Well, you've been at that same job for 11 years. How are you doing in it? Does it look like you will ever be promoted? If you don't mind me saying so, I can't for the life of me see that what you do has anything to do with the operation." Rita replied, "Well, first of all, I really don't have any idea of how I am doing. Charlie never tells me, but I've always taken the attitude that no news is good news. As for what I do and how it contributes to the operation around here, Charlie mumbled something when I started the job about being important to the operation, but that was it. We really don't communicate very well.