Computer mediated communication in a context of modern organization: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose - The present article aims to reveal and summarize key points of the application of information and communication technology (ICT) and Internet technology in the context of modern organization communication, related management processes. Design/methodology/approach - methods of meta-analysis, comparative analysis and systemizing-synthesis are used in this article. A scoping review methodology was chosen as dominant for the research with the purpose of assessing key points in the context of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) usage in modern organizations. The research is based on a qualitative paradigm. Findings – Results of the scoping review suggest that ICT and CMC are compatible and can be successfully applicable to solve the main challenges in management and control contexts of inter-organizational, organizational, group (team) and inter-personal communication and related processes. In addition, this new combination of management methods and technological innovations has a great impact on opinion and behavior of customers and overall society, process improvement in business organizations, and change management. Research limitations/implications - Firstly, a limited scope of organizations especially in Public and Non-governmental sector use CMC in everyday duties. Nevertheless, a usage of ICT and CMC requires not only the understanding of the theoretical background but also strict practical implication guidelines as well as measurement and evaluation indicators, targets, and an overall model for analyzing. Since this article is based on the scoping review where main findings and conclusions are outlined from a meta-analysis, case studies and comparative analysis towards a practical implication are not sufficiently elaborated. The second limitation which can also be called a future implication might be a wide scope and content of the CMC concept as well as the dynamics of the communication process in organizations, increasing demand from business organizations. Practical implications -The research may serve as a starting point to a further scientific discussion regarding the usage ICT and CMC both separately and as a part of other hybrid project and process methods, optimization and continuous improvement of communication, learning, control and other related processes and systems in organization management. Originality/Value - The main value of the presented article can be described as underlying spheres where CMC has the major impact in management of modern organizations: it takes effect in a wide field of internal and external processes as well as in overall process optimization activities and change management. Keywords: Computer Mediated Communication (CMC); organization management; information and communication technology (ICT); Human Resource Management (HRM); leadership; technostress; online learning. Research type: literature review. JEL classification: M15- IT Management, D83 - Information and Knowledge, Communication.