Communication

I would have to agree with both email and face to face meetings as equally important based on Company Culture. The benefits of online presentations are considerable, including the opportunity to communicate with a geographically dispersed audience at the fraction of the cost of travel and the ability for a project team or an entire organization to meet at a moment's notice. On the other hand, it's hard to tell if your audience is paying attention, confused or bored. (Page 482)

In my personal situation, I experience email and online presentations regularly. Working in the travel industry and managing more than forty hotels makes it impossible to be at all places at once. At least once per year, we group together face to face, which is equally important by having the human contact and learning more about each other and the company. Both experiences have been productive and informative.

I have worked on the other spectrum where it seemed like we had face to face meetings to much that they became ineffective and unproductive. We began getting behind in our day to day responsibilities, while nothing seemed to be getting accomplished. "Oh another meeting", everyone groaned.

A face to face meeting should be held if absolutely necessary. In either style of meeting face to face or email, the key is to be prepared. What is the goal? Proceed with four preparation tasks; identify the purpose, select participants, chose the time and place, and set the agenda. (Page 48)

Reference:

Thill, J. V., & C.L. Bovйe (2007). Excellence in Communication (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall