MNG81001 Management Communication: Virtual Teams & Communication

This report examines the advantages and disadvantages of synchronous and asynchronous communication methods in virtual teams, particularly in the context of a global marketing team spread across different time zones. It argues that both communication styles are essential for optimal team efficiency and performance. Synchronous communication, characterized by real-time interaction, offers benefits such as immediate feedback, enhanced social presence, and the ability to convey non-verbal cues through video conferencing. However, it can also lead to task-focused interactions, lack of deliberation time, and challenges related to time zone differences and technological failures. Asynchronous communication, involving delayed message exchange, provides flexibility, documented interactions, and opportunities for thoughtful reflection. Yet, it suffers from delayed feedback, potential for misinterpretation, and the absence of social presence. The report concludes that a balanced approach, strategically integrating both synchronous and asynchronous methods, is crucial for successful virtual team communication and overall organizational effectiveness. Desklib provides students with access to a variety of resources, including solved assignments and past papers.

Running head: VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION
Virtual Communication
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION
To: Joseph Stallone, Marketing Director
From: Name of the Student, Senior Marketing Associate
Date: Present Date
Subject: Advantages and Disadvantages of Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication
Introduction
In this digital age, globalization has been successfully achieved with the help of
different communication technology. Many organizations have opened branch offices in
different countries. Every country is in a different time zone and thus people were in a dire
need of a universal system that could solve all communication issues without affecting the
schedule of any employee. Every organization generally uses two types of communication,
synchronous communication and asynchronous communication.
Argument 1
Synchronous Communication is the type of communication that is real-time in nature
between two people. This means that both sides can hear and say at the same time. There are
certain advantages to using certain advantages to using Synchronous Communication tools.
They are real-time collaboration tools, which can be used for immediate response and
feedback. Many solutions are available that are either low cost or free altogether. This type of
communication is primarily used for one to one communication through video or web
conferencing. Video conferencing is quite critical as it allows body language and tone of
voice to be transmitted to the receiver (Bowen, Clayton and Ford 2015). Effortless increase in
social presence along with providing motivation and engagement is achieved (Lowenthal and
Dennen 2017). Although there are so many advantages to using synchronous communication,
there are some disadvantages too. The interactions could be focussed on task-related

2VIRTUAL COMMUNICATION
situations. There is also lack of time for deliberation among the users for what they would
say. Tone of voice or body language is not transmitted over instant messaging part of
synchronous communication (Müller 2013). In the event of any technological failure on any
side, the participation of the users is hindered. Time commitment is large for the users
especially if they are located in different time zones. This type of communication fails to
perform in case of one to many communication is required. Any form of documentation is
absent due to the communication being real-time.
Argument 2
Asynchronous communication is the form of communication where messages are
exchanged between the users connected to a network or various devices through a computer.
The reading of messages and responding to it depends on the schedule and time zone of the
users rather than a clock that is synchronized over different time zones. There are various
advantages to using this type of communication. Asynchronous communication is available
anytime and anywhere. This type of communication can be used through a variety of media
such as Google Wave, Learning Management Systems and Elluminate. The participation of
users and the messages exchanged are all documented and saved with the help of cloud
technology. There is more time for the users to think about the content of the message they
are about to send. The contribution of each participant of a discussion is more evenly
distributed and thus every person can feel more involved. Opportunities are available to share
multiple perspectives through asynchronous communication as the users get ample time to
reflect upon the ideas they are about to communicate. Any form of undesirable behaviour can
be avoided by using this type of communication, as it is not in real time and the users have to
read and reply to messages only (Edenhofer et al. 2015). There are various disadvantages to
using Asynchronous communication. There is no instant feedback to the messages sent by the
users. This is because users might have different schedules or even different time zones

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altogether and thus they will reply as per their availability. There is difficulty in tracking
conversations through emails due to the huge amounts of emails on the servers. The
technology that is needed for asynchronous communication can be very costly. The
information provided through this type of communication must be organized and the system
must allow smooth and uncomplicated search for information. A large bulk of information is
exchanged through this mode of communication and thus a proper system needs to be
maintained or information will get lost. Misinterpretation of written ideas is typical as the
tone of voice and body language is vital during exchange of information. Social presence is
absent as there is no direct and real-time interaction between the users. The delay in response
to any form of queries makes the users feel less enthusiastic towards using asynchronous
communication. There is abrupt or irregular contribution of information by individuals
participating in this form of communication and thus the richness of discussion is affected.
Argument 3
Synchronous and asynchronous communications can both be used in an organization
consisting of employees located in different time zones. The type of communication to be
used for each task and every interaction needs to be determined ahead of time.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be concluded that an organization cannot work with just one form of
communication. They need to use both in order to achieve optimum efficiency and
performance otherwise; it would be like having two legs but using only one to walk.

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Reference List:
Bowen, J.D., Clayton, W.T. and Ford, R.P., Vtel Products Corporation, Inc., 2015. Video
conference control system and method. U.S. Patent 8,970,653.
Edenhofer, S., Stifter, C., Jänen, U., Kantert, J., Tomforde, S., Hähner, J. and Müller-Schloer,
C., 2015, July. An accusation-based strategy to handle undesirable behaviour in multi-agent
systems. In Autonomic Computing (ICAC), 2015 IEEE International Conference on (pp. 243-
248). IEEE.
Lowenthal, P.R. and Dennen, V.P., 2017. Social presence, identity, and online learning:
research development and needs.
Müller, C. ed., 2013. Body-Language-Communication (pp. 310-319). de Gruyter.