Supporting the virtual organization: implications for E-mail use and policy

Abstract

Information technology support for the virtual organization involves many facets. Electronic mail technology has been presented as a robust tool which managers can use to communicate effectively with other members of their organization. A field study of 178 Air Force managers was conducted to examine whether those manager's media choices were consistent with media richness theory. Results from the study were largely consistent with suggestions made by Markus (1994). However, the study results contradicted media richness theory in that higher-level managers did not appear to be more media-sensitive. Organizational context and social cues are discussed as possible important moderating influences on managers' media choices.