Perceptions and Uses of Electronic Mail: A Function of Rhetorical Style

This article investigates the concept of rhetorical style and how it relates to the use of electronic mail (e-mail). Rhetorical style was measured by RHETSEN2. RHETSEN2 identifies three dominant communication orientations: noble self, rhetorical sensitive, and rhetorical reflector. Perceptions and uses of e-mail were tapped by a survey instrument that explored confidentiality, usefulness, expression of anger, and harm. The findings revealed that individuals with rhetorical sensitive or rhetorical reflector orientation perceived e-mail in significantly different ways from individuals with a noble self orientation. Additionally, the findings indicate the need for training in the use of e-mail for all orientations, especially in the areas of confidentiality and the expression of anger.