Videoconferencing as a Substitute for Face-to-Face Communication : Videoconferencing as a Substitute for Face-to-Face Communication by Dr. Michael Keohane CO11February, 2011
Slide 2 : Introductions
What’s so important about face-to-face collaboration?
Should I Consider Using Videoconferencing?
The goals of the communication
The need for elevated communication
The use of concurrent videoconferencing and document sharing
Personal Perceptions & Videoconferencing
Videoconferencing and Privacy in communication
Cost of using the technology
Replicating Face-to-Face Non-Verbal Queues over video
How does Videoconferencing Technology Affect Trust
How does Videoconferencing increase participation & reduce distance?
Perceived Distance using Videoconferencing
Social Presence Theory
How the Type of Videoconferencing Technology Drives Expectations of Use Agenda
Why Face-To-Face Collaboration? : Why Face-To-Face Collaboration? F2F Interaction scores the highest in all forms of communication for measure social interaction. Only 7% of a Speakers Information is conveyed verbally. F2F Communication resulted in the highest trust levels. When people met F2F initially, there trust levels remained high even when they used other forms of communication. Interactions are dynamic often occurring outside of formal settings. F2F Communication allows for the highest processing of non-verbal communication.
About My Research Study : About My Research Study Large company wanted all employees to collaborate using video enabled desktop phones Problem is nobody wanted to use the desktop video to collaborate. At the same time, people were lining up to collaborate with virtual teams using other more sophisticated forms of videoconferencing. What influenced the perceptions of people to use videoconferencing for virtual team collaboration?
Understanding the Goals of Your Communication : Understanding the Goals of Your Communication Goals of the Communication
Personal Perceptions & Videoconferencing : Personal Perceptions & Videoconferencing Many People Don’t Like Seeing Themselves Ability to Multitask is lost during Videoconferencing Sensitive to Sharing Their Personal Environment Many Perceived Video As Distracting Many Perceive Video as Difficult to Use and Operate Don’t Believe others will use video so don’t even try Contradiction: For many, the perceptions changed dramatically when videoconferencing was used in a personal rather than a business environment.
Replicating F2F; Eye Contact & Videoconferencing : Replicating F2F; Eye Contact & Videoconferencing Desktop Video is non-directional and not able to replicate eye-contact. Ability to detect eye-contact decreases the non-verbal queues needed to increase trust in social conversation. Where the camera is placed on the desktop affects the perceived trust of the sender’s message Inability to replicate eye-contact can result in speaker dominance as non-verbal queues to relinquish control are not present
Replicating F2F; Perceived Distance : Replicating F2F; Perceived Distance Inability to properly reflect non-verbal queues or perceive non-verbal queues of others increases perceived distance. Social Identity Theory dictates that perceived distance from others decreases participation, trust, and social presence. When the illusion of of face-to-face communication is lost through an increase in perceived distance, the value of using video was also lost to many. When social presence is negatively affected, users will avoid video in future communications.
The type of Video Technology Drives the Expectations for Use : The type of Video Technology Drives the Expectations for Use 65% of the study participants did not see a compelling need to use desktop videoconferencing to supplement f2f interaction. Problem with camera position, distance from camera, and operating the technology. Being squeezed by Desktop and Dedicated systems. Dedicated systems were found to replicate F2F the best. Experiences were rated the highest of all video forms. However, the resource was not generally needed as a regular form of communication by most participants. Desktop Video Non-Permanent Room-Based Video Dedicated Videoconferencing Rooms
Summary : Summary Face-to-Face Communication is ideal for increasing trust, social presence, and improved collaboration.
Videoconferencing offers an opportunity to supplement F2F communication.
Considerations need to be taken into how videoconferencing technology differs from F2F communication
It is possible that, if not well understood, videoconferencing could inhibit or negatively affect communication.
Understanding these effects allows leaders in business and education the opportunity to use videoconferencing in an optimal and more effective manner. Thank You