EQF LEVEL (INTERNAL REFERENCE): 4
keywords
- Challenges
- Perspectives
- Expectations
Introduction:
Expected Learning outcomes:
- Being able to analyse possible challenges and advantages in online communication.
By the end of this learning unit, you will be able to analyse possible communication challenges and advantages when it comes to communication over distance.
Content:
We know that the digitalization and globalization of our world have brought many advances in interpersonal communication. For example, telephone, online meetings and video calls have become indispensable. Covid-19, in particular, has advanced this movement in a very short time. All signs are now green for the digital world. If colleagues, customers or partner companies are not in the same place, solutions for communication over distances are important.
Communication that takes place over distance has both advantages and disadvantages in this regard. Let's take a look at pros and cons below.
Advantages of communication over distances:
- Travel is saved: business trips can be very expensive. Solutions such as online meetings, social media and co. can save costs in this way.
- Less harmful for the environment: Especially air travel and distances that have to be driven by car pollute the environment with exhaust fumes and fossil fuel consumption. The situation is different for travel by train, which is of course more climate-friendly.
- There is a lot of know-how to draw on: Through online meetings with different departments, experts or specialists from different areas or countries, a lot of knowledge is available to the company.
- Location-independent working: Any place can be a workplace, no matter where you are. Only the technical equipment is needed to be connected to the company. This allows more flexibility for employees. Especially in rural areas, where transport connections are poor, this brings advantages for employees.
- Cost-saving for the company: When many employees work from home offices, the company needs fewer offices and can save money as a result.
Disadvantages of communication over distances:
- Social aspect is neglected: Due to the lack of personal contact, important social factors can be lost- Especially for team building, this is a hindrance.
- Limited non-verbal language: Especially in email contact or phone calls, the non-verbal language is not recognizable. In online meetings, we can see the other person, yet facial expressions or other expressions cannot always be recognized. Since our body language helps us with our expressions, lack of nonverbal language can lead to misunderstandings.
- Collaboration Challenges: Conflicts within a team can be more difficult to recognize and also more difficult to resolve at a distance than is possible in person.
- Time differences: If you work in an international company or have clientele around the world, time differences can be a problem if appointments take place very late at night or early in the morning.
- Constant availability: Another disadvantage of long-distance communication is constant availability. Especially via digital means of communication, it is sometimes difficult to separate leisure time and work. However, this affects the work-life balance.
- Technical challenges: The prerequisite for communication is usually technical know-how. Not all employees can meet these requirements and are disadvantaged in this case.
SOURCES:
- Kulmer, K. (2021). So verbessert technische Ausstattung die Kommunikation in Videokonferenzen. Retrieved 15.06.2022 from https://erwachsenenbildung.at/digiprof/neuigkeiten/16062-kommunikation-in-videokonferenzen-verbessern.php
- Grundl. (2017). Erfolgreich kommunizieren im digitalen Zeitalter: Diese Schlüsselkompetenz macht den Unterschied. Retrieved 15.06.2022 from https://www.grundl-institut.de/blog/erfolgreich-kommunizieren-digitalen-zeitalter-schluesselkompetenz/
- Placetel. (2020). 12 Regeln für Online-Meetings. Retrieved 15.06.2022 from https://www.placetel.de/blog/online-meeting-regeln
