1. Sharing Information
We live in a diverse world and we must have the ability to deal with diverse cultures and traditions. Diversity offers a broader, richer and more fertile environment for creative thinking, innovations but also for diverse contacts between people. In our world of globalisation communication takes place between senders and receivers from different cultures and this act can be very difficult if the difference between cultures is great but there are a multitude of reasons for this act to take place:
- technology makes it possible for people to travel further and faster than ever before,
- the Internet links people across national boundaries,
- the international labour force is more mobile,
- more people are on the move than ever before,
- in many places of the world the work force is becoming more and more diverse.
In every workplace, having the ability to share information can have a positive effect on productivity, and efficiency. Some employees may find easier and more efficient methods to achieve a goal that could lead to cost savings for the company. There are a number of ways to share information among employees and work groups.
Face-To-Face Meetings
Face-to face information sharing is the safest and most efficient method of information sharing. In meetings, everyone can share their information and ask questions. This allows them to get the answers they need without having to wait.
E-mail is another way to share information. The information can be placed in an e-mail and sent to multiple individuals or groups with a few clicks of a button. The use of e-mail also increases the response time to questions, because you have to wait until the other person calls you or sends you an e-mail response to your question.
Forums
Forums have become a newer form of information sharing. It is useful for organizations with large numbers of employees and work groups. Forums allow you to post shared information in a central webpage with controlled access. Usually, people who want the information will have to sign up and log in first. This helps to increase security. Also, multiple people can be logged into a forum at one time. Once they are logged in, they can talk to each other by posting information and questions in the forum. This allows multiple people to see and respond to the initial question.
Telephones and Conference Calls
Calling individuals on the phone or having conference calls for larger groups of people are additional ways to share information. Like a face-to-face conversation, it gives everyone the opportunity to ask questions and get answers during the call. Another advantage is that people do not all have to be in the same building or location. This is cheaper for companies since it eliminates any travel time or travel costs associated with the information sharing.
See also: Sharing information