Web 2.0 and Communication Processes at Work: Evidence From China

Louie H. M. Wong; Carol X. J. Ou; Robert M. Davison; Hui Zhu; Cheng Zhang

doi:10.1109/tpc.2016.2594580

IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication Sep 2016 Open Access

Web 2.0 and Communication Processes at Work: Evidence From China

Louie H. M. Wong ; Carol X. J. Ou ; Robert M. Davison City University of Hong Kong ; Hui Zhu Guangdong University of Technology ; Cheng Zhang Fudan University

Abstract

Research problem: Web 2.0 applications, such as instant messengers and other social media platforms, are fast becoming ubiquitous in organizations, yet their impact on work performance is poorly understood. Research question: What is the relationship between Web 2.0 use, and work-based communication processes and outcomes in China? Literature review: Literature in the fields of information systems and media and communication research supports the value of Web 2.0 for organizations. However, how Web 2.0 can facilitate the organizational communication process and subsequently improve performance is under-investigated. By adapting and extending the communicative ecology framework and previously published work, we developed and tested a theoretical model to investigate these impacts in the Chinese workplace. Methodology: We conducted a quantitative study using the survey method, with participants randomly selected from a panel database in China. Results and conclusions: We analyzed survey data from 179 organizational employees and found that vertical and horizontal communication contribute significantly to individual and teamwork performance, with high levels of variance explained. In this study, we provide empirical evidence of how Web 2.0 applications enable employees to reach out to collaborators and business partners, thereby boosting individual productivity and team collaboration. The study also highlights the fit between Web 2.0 and the need for organizational horizontal communication in this era of knowledge, information, and creativity. Future researchers should verify the research model in different countries, including local contextual characteristics as either independent variables or moderators.

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Published: 2016-09-01
DOI: 10.1109/tpc.2016.2594580
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Topics: collaborative writing professional writing quantitative research social media book reviews
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Web 2.0 and Communication Processes at Work: Evidence From China

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