Digital Communication: Enterprise Data Management - Essay Example

Digital Communication xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Name xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Course xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Lecture xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date Disadvantages of using e-business are: absence of direct face to face contact in online communication, limitation of some sectors in the business, and costly e- business set up and connection. In online communication the absence of direct face to face contact, limits interaction with clients, a prerequisite for enhanced communication. The loss of trust in online communication is likely to occur due to digital shift that might not be embraced by all, especially those that are not really in the digital era or those that a rigid to conform to it ( Bekmeier-Feuerhahn & Eichenlaub 2009, pp. 339). Based on the attribution theory there is influence in introduction of an interface which in this case, is the introduction of the online communication platform like Facebook. Building of trust between the concerned parties may be affected where online verbal communication may be the only option for the majority of the client to the company. On costs, setting up of the product lines and the upgrades requires to keep in line with competition. In the online sales companies must have large initial investments and resources needed in the up to date digital communication platform. Updating of the online data in the Websites needs either new professionals’ recruitment or the training of the in-house employees which will incur costs in training or recruiting. Software and hardware needed to support the digital communication platform are another consideration by the Enterprise Data Management and Electronic Data Management. Their duty is to facilitate efficiency in the processes of the internal business. The limitation of some sectors in the products may not be favoured by some sales going online may be due to their perishability. IDL has not incurred much of these due to self-exclusion from the use of digital communication. There are advantages accrued to companies using digital communication the IDL doesn’t enjoy. First there is the benefit of a company gaining a worldwide presence. The customer scope is increased globally resulting in increased sales. Companies like the Amazon.com have really provided a platform for the transaction of goods thus reducing the pre-existing gap that had been in the past, between the business enterprise and their customers. Secondly, there exists cost effectiveness in the promotion and marketing of goods over the web due to the existing technique effectiveness of pay per click strategy by the online advertising companies. On those company items that will be clicked upon and consequently viewed will they incur charges and paid to the concerned advertisement platform providers. Thirdly there are existing better customer services thanks to website markets that have developed enticing website interfaces like windows pop-ups chats meant for ushering in customers into website though marketing strategies best apply. Moreover the always ready customer care services and payment platforms ease the customers work. The purchased items transportation services consequently take place without the involving the customers. Before-hand information on the available services offered by a company is another associated advantage in marketing their products to the public. Britain for many years dominated the creative markets in the sales of creative contents like music .It might have been slow action or reluctance in transiting into the digital communication that changed the old order of proficient performance. Likewise the tendency to forsake the shift into the digital communication world may have a positive or negative impact on their sales depending on their take to stand in the fast growing technological world (Gordart et al 2009, pp. 334). Thus IDL may suffer in the future in the hands of it competitors that are already into digital world, sales-wise since they will be progressing as with the digital age. IDL furniture manufacturing company flourishes without implementing and using digital communication. The company will improve in its operational efficiencies and competition, though a threat lies in its future. This will be as a result of wide network with its clients and potential clients likely being dissolved into the digital world in which IDL maybe lagging behind, considering their present stand. In addition, most potential customers are now using internet as a channel of buying products online (Bekkers et al. 2006, pp.4). This is a benefit both to the employees who will increase their productivity and increase efficient and effective customer services. From the web network created, IDL will definitely benefit as collaboration across locations and zones will be established. This will lead to reduction of communication cut-cost. The employees will find it easier to discuss, share and develop different ideas with each other who are located in different locations. This also comes in handy especially with other companies that IDL operates with. IDL will therefore, be able to reduce inevitable delays and travel costs (Zittrain 2009, pp. 213). Utilization of communications in their help desks and call centers, and use of agents who are dispersed everywhere, has ensured that the clients receive services immediately and also their products have been delivered in time. This will ensure that excellent services are offered to the customer therefore, establishing trust with the company. This will also continue to be a benefit to the staff as they will not have to work overtime to satisfy all the customers as the customers’ demands are being effectively handled at various locations and communications to the centre office is possible. Digital communications has made it possible for all the transactions to be recorded for future references. This has benefitted the company as the recorded calls, for example, may be used for training or legal purposes. IDL may benefit from effective advertisement enabled by websites and public exhibition.IDL furniture manufacturing company, will continue to benefit from this as the designs of their products are well illustrated in the internet. Customers are able to access the designs of their products through internet which is cheaper and faster for the company. The IDL will therefore, be able to motivate their employees leading to effective and efficient working environment. Their suggestions, complaints and grievances are handled on time and taken care of properly. In the present world, it is beyond doubt that quick decisions making are important to any organization. Effective communication will see to it that quick-decision are made. The will be a beneficial to the company as it will save time, reduce cost and wastages as well as induce prompt action. Speedy information will also ensure that the right information is available at the tight time and the proper channels of communications are used (Kawalek 2007, pp.24).It is evident that the company will advance and obtain its set objectives as a result of utilization of websites and agents. However, various risks may also rise and cannot be inevitable. Divisions have seen to have risen as a result of using websites in the present business world. IDL Company is not either immune to this. As a result of social division, IDL may not reach all the customers. This is because not everyone may be able to access the websites technologies. Therefore, there is that risk of only targeting a specific social class. The risks of losing customers especially those who do not use internet resources to mobilize, engage, and participate in the business world. In addition, the company may loss the clients who are found in the developing countries as the digital technology has not advanced as compared to the already industrialized countries. As compared to the benefits, risk involved are minimal therefore, IDL should utilize digital technologies in its operation. Implications The development and infiltration of digital communication into organizations have had far-reaching implications on all spheres of organizations. The relationship between organizations and its various audiences is undergoing a sea of change (Holtz 2006, pp. 23). To begin with, the digitalization of organisations has not only changed communications and operations, but has also led to development of new culture- the digital culture. This will be featured in the organizational behavior of IDL. The emphasis has grown from just the concepts of using digital technology in manufacturing to building a culture. A digital culture requires that we see the organisation as a central player in the interactive exchange between human dynamics (Synder 2005, pp. 6). This brings along a very important need for knowledge management systems and control. While organizations do shape the technological advancements, they are shaped by the digitalization since mechanical advances are faster than those of human systems. The interplay between the affecting and the effecting is what creates the digital culture. The culture has now seen forth the almost natural development of new symbols, actions, rhetorics and work systems that are enhanced and performed via communication patterns (Synder 2005, pp.6). This culture changes the internal organisational environment so that the interplay is between the virtual and the physical. This demands innovative ways of dealing with Human Resource concerns such as incentives, conflicts and discipline for the organisation. The development of innovations such as web 2.0 technologies has found its way into intranets. Holtz (2006) indicates that any technology that becomes a commonly used tool on the internet finds its way onto intranets (pp.24). Tools such as blogs, wikis, social network sites, flickr, virtual worlds, you tube and podcasts have got simulated into the many companys’ intranets. This is at the clarifying stage where the use becomes widespread and its importance clearer for all organisational members. The communication technologies will take a more functional path. This digital culture implies that the organisation will have to employ and implement strategic knowledge management plans. Knowledge management is a set of principles and practices which enhances the ability of an organisation’s human resources share and adopt vital intellectual and information resources through a cycle which entails creation, storage, retrieval, acquisation, usage and learning. It involves the uses is vital in enhancing the communication richness and as well alleviate digital divide that may arise in the company. Digital divide is the critical divide between those who can read well and take full advantage of the treasures of information that will be so widely available and those who cannot take advantage of the easily accessible information (Compaine 2001, pp.ix). This divide creates a digital identity crisis. A knowledge management structure will help the company effectively undergo the five stages of informational innovation identified in communication literature. These are agenda setting, matching, redefining or restructuring, clarifying and routinizing (Lawson-Borders 2006, pp. 44 ). The knowledge management activites will entail the use of tools and practices related to and that complement digital communication in enhancing intellectual resource management. Frequent training of the employees is will also be vital since the digital world is as constant as change. this indicates that IDL will continuously undergo the stages. In conclusion, use of digital media in will bring IDL a double-edge sword situation with advantages, benefits, risks and disadvantages. Digitalization has effects on the relationships between the company and all possible relevant audiences within and without the company. There are also far reaching implications and an ardent need for the company to consider its knowledge management practice and culture so that digitalization works for it. There are implications on the company’s culture, organizational behavior and human resource management. REFERENCES Bekkers, J, Duivenboden van Hein, Thaens, M, (2006), Information and Communication Technology and Public Innovation: assessing, Amsterdam: IOS Press. Bekmeier-Feuerhahn, S, & Eichenlaub, A, (2010), What Makes For Trusting Relationship in Online Communication? Journal of Communication Management. Vol. 14(2). Emerald Group Publication Limited. Compaine, B, (2001), The Digital Divide: facing a crisis or creating a myth? Cambridge: Mass. Gordart, C., et al. (2009). Software Services for e-business and e-society. 9th IFIP WG 6.1 Conference on e-Business, e-Service, and e-Society . Berlin : Springer-Vertlag. Holtz, S, (2006), The Impact of new technologies on internal communication. Strategic Communication Management, Vol. 10 (3) , 22-25. Kawalek, J, (2007), Rethinking information systems in organization: integrating organizational problems solving, New York: Routledge. Lawson-Borders, G, (2006), Media Organizations and Convergence: case studies of media convergence. N.J: Lawrence Erlbaum. Synder, K. (2005). The Digital culture and Communication: More than just Classroom Learning. International journal of media, technology and lifelong learning, Vol. 1 (2) , 1-9. Zittrain, J, (2009), The Future of the Internet-And How to Stop It. Yale University Press Read More