Using Communication Technology to Manage Uncertainty during Organizational Assimilation: Information-Seeking and Information-Giving

This study examined how employees used new communication technologies, including internal and external social media, to manage their uncertainty during the anticipatory and encounter phases of the assimilation process in two different cultural contexts. Based on interviews of Chinese and United States employees, the study explored how they used technologies to address their information-seeking, information-giving, and impression management concerns. Results were surprisingly similar despite differences in the two cultural contexts. In addition to managing uncertainty about jobs, relationships, and organizational norms, employees from both countries were concerned about presenting a positive image by demonstrating normative technology use and appropriate professional-personal life balance in their technology use.