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Collaboration
Online collaboration applications make it possible for employees to work together on tasks sharing information and receiving feedback in real time, whether within the same office, in another state or another country. Community groups facilitate the direct exchange of information, making updates available to all members simultaneously, regardless of their locations. These are particularly valuable in companies with employees in remote locations. The table contrasts the key characteristics of traditional vs. online communications:
| Traditional | Online | |
| Information is top-down | Communication is two-way | |
| Control is with document creator | Control is with the reader | |
| Restricted to geographic region | No boundaries | |
| Information general in nature | Information can be customized | |
| Driven by deadlines | Driven by events | |
| Information delivered at company's discretion | Information accessed by employee when needed | |
| Limited feedback | Immediate feedback | |
| High distribution costs | Low distribution costs | |
There are many collaboration solutions depending on the organization’s requirements. Commonly used collaboration applications are Microsoft SharePoint and Teams, as well as cloud-based social media tools like LinkedIn discussion groups that allow memberships to be open or restricted. Other kinds of group information sharing applications are also popular.
Memory Jogger
Which statement is incorrect when talking about traditional vs. online communications?