| Summary: | This study examines new organisational environments and all the
environmental variables that are involved in the adoption and implementation
of new communication technology. This includes structures within the
organisation, as well as social communication networks. Social
communication networks determine the levels of measurement of processes
associated with managerial practises and policies regarding
videoconferencing implementation.
Videoconferencing as a communication management tool should take into
account the numerous applications that videoconferencing hold, but should at
the same time consider all the implications for management. Communication
managers should show a level of sensitivity on interpersonal relationship
establishment and maintenance using a videoconferencing system. Aspects
that should be attended to include alteration of verbal and non-verbal
communication processes, the establishment of virtual relationships and how
it impacts on the social communication network.
The study utilises focus group research, social network analysis and
descriptive statistics in the investigation of manifestation of above-mentioned
variables in the Tertiary Education Linkages Project (TELP), which is a
linkage project between the Eastern Cape Technikon and Texas Southern
University. The study utilises triangulation for establishment of acceptable
levels of reliability and validity.
The analysis of data revealed that videoconferencing facilitates organisational
communication networks on the precondition that communication networks
and the communication environment are well managed. The nature of social
networks reveals that it will always be in existence where human interaction is
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present, however, communication management strategies are indeed
required to ensure that the quality of information disseminated over the social
network contribute to sound managerial outcomes. It was furthermore
established that communication management policies do not necessarily
affect individuals' experience of videoconferencing, however, as a
communication management tool, videoconferencing must be guided by
effective communication management policies and practises for the group to
be effective. === Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.
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