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Implied information adds richness to ‘lean’ media

P.M. Alexander
University of South Africa
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Implied information adds richness to ‘lean’ media. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 23(1), 197-219. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v23i1.1788
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  • Submited: October 22, 2022
  • Published: October 24, 2022

Abstract

E-mail has become an accepted means of communication in working environments, and
virtual teams who infrequently meet face to face tend to use e-mail extensively even
when they are involved in complex and sensitive discussions. This paper reports on an
analysis of the e-mails of university students working in virtual teams. It was found that
the timing of e-mail messages provides implied information and compensates to some
extent for the loss of non-verbal cues that are present in face-to-face communication.
This implied information contributes to the richness of the information and assists the
reader in interpreting not only the message but also the context. As a result, trust can
be established or undermined. Actual examples are provided to illustrate some of the
issues.

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How to Cite
Implied information adds richness to ‘lean’ media. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 23(1), 197-219. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v23i1.1788

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