Mediated Communication

Mediated communication takes place through the use of any of various mediums. Mediums can in e-mail, texting, phone calls, etc. Through the various mediums the mediated communication will also take on characteristics of virtual or real-time communication. Virtual mediated communication can take place through e-mail, faxes, or blogs. The real-time methods of mediated communication can include texting, web chats, or phone calls. There are negative and positive considerations in this type of communication. Negatively, it is possible for misunderstandings to occur in the intent or content of the communication. Positively, mediated communication can take place more readily at any time and any place.

Unmediated communication does not use outside mediums for it to occur. Face-to-face conversations would be classified as unmediated communication because there is nothing that is used to make the communication possible. I would think it is also possible for unmediated communication to occur in non-verbal means. Physical contact (hugs, kissing) or communication (waving, smiling) between parties could also be considered forms of unmediated communication.

Real-Time Communication

Real time communication is any form of communication that occurs without a delay in response from all parties involved. Face-to-face conversations and phone calls are the most recognizable forms of real time communication but not the only or best form, depending on the situation. Many other systems have been developed that facilitate the ability for real time communication no matter where the communicating parties may be located. Through online chat programs, internet meeting services and teleconferencing services real time communication can take place with people all over the world. These systems all give the ability to participate in dialogue without having to wait for a response.

The characteristics of real time communication are represented in usefulness of the various communication systems and techniques within business communication. Business conversations and decisions which require a timely response rely on the availability of real time communication systems for their success.

What Is Virtual Communication?

I would initially say that virtual communication is any form of communication that takes places without the physical presence or real-time responsiveness of all parties. However, this would then include written letters or notes left for others. Virtual is a word that is most often associated with technology and as such written communication is not considered virtual. I would argue that written communication, morse code, and even smoke signals could be designated as forms of virtual communication.

Virtual communication may or may not include real-time responses. Forms of communication such as texting, e-mail, online networking sites, and written communication all rely on delivery of the communication through a secondary source in order for communication to take place. The communication does not go directly from one participant to another but rather from one participant via delivery system to the other participants. The communication could not occur without the use of these systems.

What Defines A Virtual Organization

A virtual organization is such because of the presence a particular aspect of the organization. An organization which does not have a physical location where all employees meet to work would be considered a virtual organization. The organization does not exist outside of the use of technology in it's operations. Another facet of this is that the employees of the organization may or may not have face-to-face contact with each other on a regular basis.

I formerly worked in an organization that was based out of North Carolina but I worked out of my house in Ohio for 6 years. The organization was made up of 13 employees and I was the only one not working out of the NC offices. I went to the offices an average of once a year and met with my supervisor two times a year at industry conventions. Outside of these three meetings all of my communication was of the e-mail or phone format.

Although the organization was not virtual in design from my perspective the organization existed only in the virtual sense. I emailed communications, entered orders through a web based system, and did product presentations through electronic communications. These characteristics defined me as a virtual worker for the organization. I was there in the technological aspect but not in the physical presence.