Compiled By Traci Purdum When it comes to communicating with employees, 92% of executives do it via e-mail, according to a recent survey initiated by Accountemps. The survey, which queried 150 executives, asked "In your opinion, how often do managers ...
Compiled ByTraci Purdum When it comes to communicating with employees, 92% of executives do it via e-mail, according to a recent survey initiated by Accountemps. The survey, which queried 150 executives, asked "In your opinion, how often do managers use e-mail messages as a substitute for face-to-face communications?" The responses: very often, 67%; somewhat often, 25%; not very often, 7%; don't know, 1%. While it is a convenient form of communication, the Menlo Park, Calif.-based company cautions that face-to-face meetings are more appropriate if topics will involve debate or require reaching a group consensus. "For busy managers, e-mail is the next best thing to meeting in person," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. However, "face-to-face meetings reduce the potential for miscommunication, allowing individuals to share ideas and feedback with the benefit of vocal inflections, facial expressions and body language."
