Dive into Electronic Communication as it is an important role in modern business and society. One cannot think of passing modern life and managing modern businesses without electronic communication. It allows the amalgamation of several media, such as data, graphics, video, and sound, into one message.

1. Electronic
Communication
Nosihle Myeza

2. LEARNING
OBJECTIVES

3. Define an electronic
communication
Electronic communication is any kind of
communication that uses electronic means,
including video, computers, phones, and
email, to be broadcast, transmitted, stored,
or watched. Electronic communications are
distinct from wire communications in that
they cannot be categorized as comprising a
human voice and are not communicated via
sound waves. Rather, they cover the
telegraph, telex communications, email,
nonvoice digital transmissions, and the part
of video teleconferences where oral or vocal
sounds are not heard.

4. The challenges of electronic
communication
Everyone's verbal and social abilities suffer with electronic
communication. The best example is how, when you can't
physically hear someone's voice or see how they are expressing
their views, things might be read and perceived incorrectly.
Through instant messaging, social media growth, and email,
online communication has greatly expanded.
However, children are most affected by what their classmates
and other people say to them. Humans are a living example of
how others' words and actions may affect us. Everyday, what
people see and hear has an impact on them, both favorably and
negatively. Children in particular are impacted by things like
image, body image, appearance, and the organizations they are a
part of through technological communication. This turns out to
be a problem because they feel pressure to be someone they are
not, when instead, they should just be content with who they
are and enjoy it..

5. Types of
electronic
communications
Here's how to make the most of the numerous
technological communication channels that are
currently available and how to use them effectively.
The use of electronic communication is now
widespread throughout the world. Different forms of
data and images can be transmitted electronically via
wire, electromagnetic system, photo electronic or
photo-optical system, and radio. Due to its
widespread use, many organizations and individuals
view electronic communication as a vital component
of daily life.

6. E-Mail
Email is a method of electronic communication
that people use to communicate with one
another using computers or other electronic
devices like smartphones or tablets. Emails can
only be sent online. In order to send, receive,
forward, and reply to email messages, you also
need software in the form of an email
Programme. You can attach files to emails,
including documents, pictures, and even movies.
You will discover more about email, the format
of email addresses, and the tools and functions
that come with having an email account in this
area.

7. Instant
messaging
and live chat
Real-time or instantaneous message
transmission over the internet, a private
network, or a server is referred to as instant
messaging (IM). In that messages can be sent in
real time; live chat is akin to instant messaging.
With instant messaging, both parties typically
need to be on each other's "friends" or
"connections" list. You don't need to be friends
with someone to use live chat. It's comparable
to website live-chat applications where users
may talk to customer support representatives.
Sessions are used in live chats as well. In
contrast to open-ended IM chat, you must start
a new session after ending the previous one. It
easily keep people in touch and very fast.

8. Instant
messaging
and live chat
continued…
The exchange of messages happens instantly with
instant messaging as opposed to email. Additionally,
IM is often session-based, with a beginning and an
end. Individual messages are frequently brief
because IM is designed to resemble in-person
interactions. Conversely, email typically adopts a
longer-form letter writing style.
The changes in IM's access and delivery methods are
also significant. These applications were formerly
only available as desktop clients that required
installation. These days, instant messaging can be
found more frequently as a function within another
web- or cloud-based service, like Facebook, Gmail,
and Skype, or as a mobile application, like WhatsApp
Messenger.

9. Websites and
blogs
Blogs are a type of website. The only real difference
between a blog and other types of website is that
blogs are updated on a regular basis with new
content, which is displayed in reverse chronological
order. Without a website, potential clients won't
be aware that you are in business unless they
are familiar with your brand. Most individuals do
their research online before visiting a store or
making a purchase, and they frequently prefer
doing business online. If you regularly post
insights that solve the problems of your
audience, blogging can help you establish
yourself as a go-to industry authority even if you
don't have a personal website.

10. SMS/text
messaging
The most common method of sending text and
photo messages is between smartphones.
However, there are programmes that let you
send text messages and images from a
computer to a smartphone or vice versa. Text
and image communications travel quickly and
can be received by the recipient in only a few
seconds. Texting someone can also be helpful
when calling them is not an option, such as
when you are in a class or meeting. Through
several applications, like WhatsApp, SnapChat,
Facebook, Hangouts, and many others, sending
text, images, or even audio messages is simple.
These multimedia formats are inexpensive to
deliver quickly to any location on Earth.

11. Phone and voicemail
It's simple to overlook the traditional phone system given
that most business communication takes place through
mobile and desktop apps or cloud-based platforms.
Although customer behavior may have changed as a
result of technology, a personal touch is still necessary.
Voicemail systems have also advanced significantly.
Messages are taken by modern voicemail systems and
sent via email or text (voicemail to text) (voicemail to
email). But making calls doesn't require a phone system.
Slack offers a built-in calling function for placing voice
calls, as more audio exchanges are occurring via the
cloud. Additionally, Slack allows you to add guest roles to
your workplace for transient contacts.

12. Video
Video can be added for video calling applications
to facilitate this form of communication. One can
communicate with others and see who they are
speaking to by utilising this application. Video
connections are possible, and we also need to
use programmes like Skype, Hangouts, etc. The
use of video chatting has numerous advantages.
Anyone can get in touch with us right away. By
utilizing a tool like the business conference
capability, we may speak with multiple people at
once. PPTs and data sheets can also be shared
online.

13. Roles of electronic
communication
Working with specialists from around
the world is made possible through
electronic communication for
businesses. This could lead to reduced
overhead expenses, higher job
satisfaction, and better teamwork.
Teams from all over the world may
communicate in real time, work
together to finish projects, and solve
issues without being confined to an
office.

14. Advantages Of
Electronic
Communication
• Speedy transmission: It requires only a few seconds to communicate through
electronic media because it supports quick transmission.
• Wide coverage: The world has become a global village and communication around
the globe requires only a second.
• Low cost: Electronic communication saves time and money. For example, text SMS
is cheaper than the traditional letter.
• Exchange of feedback: Electronic communication allows the instant exchange of
feedback. So, communication becomes perfect using electronic media.
• Managing global operation: Due to the advancement of electronic media, business
managers can easily control operation across the globe. Video or teleconferencing
e-mail and mobile communication are helping managers in this regard.

15. Disadvantages Of
Electronic
Communication
The volume of data: The volume of telecommunication information is
increasing at such a fast rate that businesspeople are unable to absorb it
within the relevant time limit.
The cost of development: Electronic communication requires huge investment
for infrastructural development. Frequent change in technology also demands
further investment.
Legal status: Data or information, if faxed, may be distorted and will cause
zero value in the eye of law.
Undelivered data: Data may not be retrieved due to system error or fault with
the technology. Hence required service will be delayed.
Dependency: Technology is changing every day and therefore poor countries
face the problem as they cannot afford the new or advanced technology.
Therefore, poor countries need to be dependent towards developed countries
for sharing global network.

16. Use of
electronic
communication
Finding the appropriate technology for
communication will enable electronic communication.
By saving time and money, switching from paper to
electronic communications might actually make it
easier for your company to communicate. A few types
of electronic communication include email, instant
messaging, websites, blogs, text messages, voicemail,
and video messaging. The manner that businesses
communicate with one another has altered thanks to
electronic communication. If done correctly,
electronic communication can be highly useful.
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages will help
firms communicate electronically more successfully.

17. Summary
In conclusion, electronic communication
eliminates the burden of scheduling in-
person meetings, boosts productivity, and
gives people a quick and simple way to
communicate. Email communication can be
problematic in the workplace in a number of
ways, but overall, the advantages outweigh
the drawbacks, as is the case with most
technology advancements.

18. Reference
• https://www.swicktech.com/IT-Resources/Blog/business-
communication#:~:text=Moving%20from%20paper%20to%20electronic,few%20examples%20of%
20electronic%20communication.
• Shrestha D - Electric Communication Mar. 05, 2009 slide 3
• https://www.siyavula.com/read/cat/grade-10-cat/internet-communication/12-internet-
communication?id=ch12.2#:~:text=Email%20is%20an%20electronic%20form,the%20internet%20
to%20send%20emails.
• https://www.ukessays.com/essays/information-technology/types-of-electronic-communication-
information-technology-essay.php
• Sharon K. Black Attorney-at-Law, in Telecommunications Law in the Internet Age, 2002
• February 9, 2015 BY RJD5277 at sites.psu.edu