The Changing Communication Patterns of Engineers

Communicating information effectively is essential for organizational success in the 21st-century workplace. While the workplace has undergone many changes, one subtle, yet profound change will have lasting implications in the years to come. When one worker leaves, the project moves electronically to another worker who is, most likely, in another place. As the day goes by, the project circles the globe. The search for information does not rely only on technology. Whenever possible, engineers seek out information from their colleagues whom they believe have the expertise needed to answer the question. The use of electronic communication is even more important in the workplace than expected. E-mail and messaging have become the primary means by which information is documented and transmitted. Further, as the project rather than the employee sets the pace of work, effective and efficient communication will remain the key to success.