Generational Differences in Professional Communication
Nowadays, a workplace in all industries and institutions is made up of five generations which are the traditionalists, baby boomers, generation x, millennials, and iGen. The preference in the types of professional communications used by people from the generations varies due to their experience in the use of technology, although this does not mean that they cannot use it to communicate.
Gender Differences and Technology Usage
Also, those who are relevant in technology use it for various reasons suitable for their needs and gender plays a major role. For instance, a study found that "women generally use the internet as a tool for activities, rather than as play or a technology to be mastered" (Singh, 2001) relatively to their farmer husbands. "Typically the older generations prefer talking face-to-face or on the phone, and the younger generations tend toward text-based messages like email and the instant message" (Goudreau, 2013).
Importance of Learning from Each Other
For the technologically challenged people to be able to use the technology for professional communication effectively, they should be ready to learn from each other. It will enable them to not only understand the various ways of using technology for communication but also be aware of the technological pitfalls and traps (Holzl, 1997).
References
Goudreau, J. (2013). How to Communicate in the New Multigenerational Office. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2013/02/14/how-to-communicate-in-the-new-multigenerational-office/#68531d134a6b
Holzl, J. (1997). Twelve tips for effective PowerPoint presentations for the technologically challenged. Medical Teacher, 19(3), 175-179.
Singh, S. (2001). Gender and the use of the Internet at home. New Media " Society, 3(4), 395-415.
