Instant Messaging in a Business Setting

Instant messaging, when used properly, can be a very effective tool to increase efficiency in a business setting. There are many great reasons why businesses should incorporate instant messaging as a part of their companies.

Instant messaging can reduce time and effort communicating. After typing a message, one must press 'enter' and the message will pop up in the other user's screen almost instantaneously-quite a remarkable tool. This is much easier than sending an email and also eliminates the small talk that is usually done via telephone calls. Another pro of instant messaging is that nowadays, clients can download a mobile version straight to their cell phone for no charge. Also, clients can communicate with one another via the mobile IM in places where a telephone call wouldn't work out. Nowadays, IM is also capable of holding video calls-a huge advantage for the business world. Instead of traveling many miles to have a face to face conversation, businesses can now hold conference calls via IM. This save a lot of time and money and can be a very effective tool. In addition, file transfer is also available on IM and is just as great as sending an attachment via email.

Although there can be great benefits to IM in a business setting, there are huge challenges that companies may face. I know from firsthand experience how distracting IM can be. You can sign online to merely ask a homework question and instead, find yourself gossiping online for several hours without even realizing it. This could easily occur in a business setting, thus decreasing productivity. Another risk of IM is the spread of viruses and worms on a computer system. Links for these viruses spread easily through IM, contaminating the computer with potential spam and hackers that can steal confidential information.

In a business setting IM can be a very useful tool, but rules about its use definitely need to be established. Along with the use of IM must come responsibility and usage for the efficiency of the company.

Instant Messaging

Communicating through IM (instant messaging) is a very convenient tool that is used frequently by the younger generation (e.g. Millenials, Generation X and Y, etc.). For example, when we need help with homework help or plan the night out, we can sign online and ask our friends whatever it is we may need through this means of real-time text communication. There are distinct advantages of the use of IM that could also be incorporated in the business world. As technology advances, IM capabilities expand offering conference calls, live video, and file transfer. I think these methods of communication could be especially useful in large companies. If all company employees have access to an IM server with security and privacy, more casual (informal) modes of internal communication can be done rather than formal emails. For many, IM is a lot simpler and more convenient to use rather than picking up the phone to make a call or meeting face-to-face. Companies can successfully use IM for rapid communication (explanations and questions), keeping in touch, and organizing tasks. Certain limitations of IM are that because voice is usually not heard, it can be difficult to get a point across without the use of nonverbal communication, such as hand gestures, volume and tone of voice, facial expressions, etc. More senior employees (Boomers like my parents) may also be reluctant to use IM in a work setting as opposed to emails or phone calls. Because it is less formal, IM does not provide a “paper trail” which could be good or bad, depending on the situation and what was said. This can hurt in some cases or help in others. In addition, since we can connect with virtually anyone, it could be a major distraction in the workplace, thus decreasing productivity. The dangers of IM include the spreading of online viruses, privacy issues, and other inappropriate uses.