The impact of telecommunication technology on the nature of managerial work
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Date
2001
Authors
Patrick, George
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2001
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of whether telecommunications technology (cell phones and pagers) serve to facilitate the performance of the three managerial roles identified by Mintzberg (1973). It was further the intent of this study to explore the ways cell phones and pagers create interruptions and false urgencies that could impede the performance of the managerial roles. The study also investigated the ways managers use boundary controls to manage their interruptions and false urgencies.
The effective performance of the three managerial roles was determined by the relevant information exchanged by respondents using cell phones, which had direct correlation to the managerial roles. The issue of whether cell phones and pagers create false urgencies and interruptions was related to the non-expected calls received and the importance and
urgency of calls received. It was anticipated that managers who used extensive boundary controls would tend to receive fewer calls and thus manage their interruptions more effectively. The research design involved a cross section analysis of data, which created a pattern of relationship between the issue of false urgency, interruptions and boundary controls.
It was found that cell phones had indeed assisted managers to perform their managerial roles. It was also found that the issue of false urgency and interruptions was contingent upon the expectancy of calls received, importance and urgency of calls received and the effective management of the boundary controls.
Description
xi, 108 leaves ; 29 cm.
Keywords
Cellular telephones , Beepers (Pagers) , Management -- Communication systems