Digital Communication Methods

The benefits of digital communication for society in general are nicely stated by entrepreneur Mitchell Kapor^[1]:

Digital communications media are inherently capable of being more interactive, more participatory, more egalitarian, more decentralized, and less hierarchical. As such, the types of social relations and communities which can be built on these media share these characteristics.

For the professional business environment, the four primary benefits of digital communication methods are that it is:

• instant and fast-paced.
• extensive.
• convenient.
• a tool for positive social change.

Instant and Fast-Paced Communication

Communication using digital techniques is instant. As soon as the sender hits the Submit, Enter, or Send key, the message is available to the audience in a matter of microseconds. The business benefit of instant communication is obvious—little to no delay of valuable information being sent to individuals, customers, or the organization. Responding to a competitor’s new product release, informing colleagues of project status, scheduling an important meeting, and acknowledging a customer complaint can all be accomplished more quickly than using traditional communication methods.

Extensive Communication

Another benefit of digital business communication is that it is extensive. One email message or text message can be easily routed to thousands of employees at the same time. A post on social media can be seen by millions of customers. Never before have we had the expansive reach that a single digital communication can provide. Additionally, digital communications can be extensive in their content as well. While sending a printed 50-page report by mail has associated costs, it’s virtually free to send the same content digitally.

Convenient Communication

Digital business communication is convenient, which serves to foster better communication. For example, team members can relay information to each other whether they are sitting at a computer at their desk or using a smartphone while in line at a coffee shop, which means that they are more likely to do so. Additionally, the fact that digital communication is instant and extensive also contributes to the convenience of using these techniques for anyone relaying information.

Communication for Change

Finally, the use of digital communication in the business environment has contributed to positive social change and served to change the environment itself. Always being connected may not seem to be a benefit at first glance, but if that factors into more flexible work hours or locations, employees may be happier at work. A team-oriented workforce, which tends to foster sharing and support among team members, has been shown to contribute to greater employee productivity and success. A shorter commute or no commute at all translates into more time that can be spent as you choose. 

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