IM Efficiency

How about this from the Herman Trend Alert – Use IM to Reduce Interruption (sorry, no link). Most people believe using “instant messaging” (IM) software to chat at work leads to an increase in disruption. In fact, a study published recently by researchers at Ohio State University and University of California, Irvine found that workers who used IM on the job reported fewer interruptions than their colleagues who did not. The research showed that IM is often used as a substitute for other, more disruptive forms of communication such as the telephone, email, and face-to-face conversations and thus it actually leads to an increase in productivity. Dr. R. Kelly Garrett… Read More

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IM Is Actually Like Live Email

That is a rather apt description, don’t you think?  I believe instant messaging will eventually displace email.  I’ve heard many arguments against my position, but I really think it will happen.  Of course, I liked New Coke when it came out so consider that point in my prediction. ManageSmarter.com offers this piece – Rethinking Instant Messaging -as a discussion on the use of IM.  The article contains 2 points that I think will drive the expansion of IM: He says IM is more effective than e-mail for critical-action items like getting approval on a press release. and IM also pushes out to the customer at Web sites with live-support chats,… Read More

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