Overload

A variety of services and technologies have facilitated an explosion of rapid communications, be it carried by overnight express couriers, fax machines, voice mail, the Internet, the World Wide Web, e-mail, or other systems. Changes in organizational structures have also contributed to the exchange. Self-directed teams have generated a tremendous need for fast, cross-functional communications. For large, complex, or multinational companies, the systems are essential. The communications channels are embedded, systematic, and, on the whole, a great industrial plus. But if they continue to evolve without some modification in their use, the overload will create a number of ticking organizational time bombs. Workers are using information technology to shift the time and place in which they deal with electronic messages. Communications overload is starting to twist some fundamental values. The key value-added functions, such as sales and marketing, may fail to get a quick response from crucial but overwhelmed support functions.