Gaps in Communication in Conjunction Withn Technological Changes Discussion

You have recently started working for a local department store in the
Operations Department. You have always had a passion for communication
and technology, and at your new store, you quickly realize that their
methods of communication and their technological resources are outdated.
You have worked retail for many years and over time have realized that
there are many gaps and differences in the way that people communicate
and the forms of technology that they are comfortable with. This applies
to both your customers and your colleagues.

Because you feel that this is an area of expertise for you, you
approach your supervisor and begin a discussion about communication
changes and gaps in communication in conjunction with the technological
changes that have happened over the last several decades. You and your
supervisor discuss the best ways for your store to understand various
communication methods and the gaps that exist in communication among
your consumers and colleagues.

You volunteer to put together a written summary of broad spectrum
changes in technology and the resulting changes in communication
methods and gaps in communication. Your supervisor loves this idea. He
does ask, however, that the information be presented in the form of a
pamphlet or written statement that can be both presented to staff and
handed out by Human Resources as a training tool for employee relations.

You are encouraged to provide as many examples of changes to
communication methods that you can come up with. Also consider many
different gaps in communication such as generational differences,
differences in socioeconomic status, the region the people live in,
interest in technology, setting in which you are communicating in
(personal versus professional), etc. After considering these issues,
your supervisor would like you to present some ideas as to how your
store can bridge communication gaps between colleagues and with your
customers.

For this written summary, you are to reflect upon and address the following information:

• Consider various methods of communication, types of technology
  that can assist in communication, and other factors involving technology
  that may impact or change communication.
• Consider several factors that impact access to communication in
  society. Some possible are socioeconomic status, access to technological
  resources, generational differences, differences in intellect, etc.
• How have online environments and technological growth impacted
  how society communicates on both personal and professional levels? Be
  sure to provide specific examples of both.
• How do changes in methods of communication create communication gaps in our society?
• What are some ways that society can bridge communication gaps that happen as a result of technological growth?