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From: taylor@hplabsc.UUCP
Newsgroups: mod.comp-soc
Subject: email and relationships
Message-ID: <1297@hplabsc.HP.COM>
Date: Fri, 13-Feb-87 19:01:26 EST
Article-I.D.: hplabsc.1297
Posted: Fri Feb 13 19:01:26 1987
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I've noted what I feel is a significant effect:

People often feel freer to say what they think. This can be useful.
In a previous organisation I was a senior manager trying to keep in contact,
and I am sure the mail system allowed me to stay in contact with my people
in a way that was not possible before (quite apart from geographical
problems). Basically, someone will communicate with their manager
(hopefully), but is reluctant to go much higher without care and even
an appointment. 

Under email, everyone seems more equal. I got views and opinions from
quite junior people that I am sure they would not have offered if they
had to phone me (an interruption) or come and see me.

Of course, some might think such non-disciplined communication is
undesirable, but that is another matter.
 
Tony Voss, Praxis Systems