Relating Computer, Communication, and Computer-Mediated Communication Apprehensions to New Communication Technology Use in the Workplace

Abstract

This study explores three issues regarding the use of multiple workplace communication technologies: the relationships between distinct forms of apprehension (computer, communication, and writing) and use, the relative contribution of computer-mediated communication (CMC) apprehension for predicting use, and changes in these relationships over time. A trend study, which consisted of the collection of data from two samples (N= 205) separated by a 5-year interval, suggests full or partial support for the hypotheses involving computer and communication apprehension. Although apprehension levels remain stable, usage frequency changed for several of the technologies examined—resulting in stronger relationships between apprehensions and those technologies for which use has changed the most in the past 5 years. Most notably, a new measure of CMC apprehension generally predicts communication technology use—especially text-based and conferencing tools—more strongly than do more traditional apprehension types.

Measuring Online Communication Attitude: Instrument Development and Validation

“…Participants reported media use with their chosen friend via a 6-point Likert-type scale derived from Scott and Timmerman's (2005) measure of media use. Response options ranged from 1 (''very rarely'') to 5 (''very frequently''), with an additional response option (0 0''never'') indicating that the medium was not used with the friend.…”

“…This analysis revealed seven overarching themes characterizing online communication attitude, and subsequent exploration of extant literature likewise confirmed the potential importance of these themes. These seven themes address the extent to which online communication (a) facilitates misunderstanding (Sproull & Kiesler, 1986), (b) is convenient (Straub & Karahanna, 1998), (c) is capable of conveying intimacy and social warmth (Baym, 1995;Hu, Wood, Smith, & Westbrook, 2004), (d) influences social contact (Hargittai, 2007;Haythornthwaite, 2005), (e) facilitates self-disclosure (Joinson, 2001;McKenna, Green, & Gleason, 2002), (f) produces apprehension (Scott & Timmerman, 2005), and (g) is enjoyable (Dimmick, Kline, & Stafford, 2000).…”

The computer-mediated communication (CMC) classroom: a challenge of medium, presence, interaction, identity, and relationship

“…Likewise, communicators with high communication apprehension find it easier to make a good impression (Scott & Timmerman, 2005) and report comparatively greater openness and affability (Campbell & Neer, 2001). As a written medium with a less immediate audience, CMC provides a context in which highly apprehensive communicators can reduce the communication avoidance and withdrawal behaviors they typically use in face-to-face contexts (Patterson & Gojdycz, 2000).…”

Media Richness, Communication Apprehension and Participation in Group Videoconferencing

“…User apprehension is one factor generally overlooked when assessing the effectiveness of new communication technologies. Prior research shows that communication apprehension can be a powerful inhibitor of an individual's involvement in communication activities particularly in technology mediated environments (Brown, Fuller, & Vician, 2004;Easton, Easton, & Belch, 2003;Rao & Dennis, 2000;Richmond & McCroskey, 1992;Scott & Timmerman, 2005).…”