Stefan Köhler
Einführung, Nutzung und Folgen von Videokonferenzen - Vergleich von 25 Unternehmen in Deutschland
Nr. 105 / Februar 1993
(no longer available)
Summary
Video communication has not yet become accepted in the Federal Republic of Germany. In this study, which is primarily based on expert interviews in 25 companies using videoconferencing, we look into the following questions: Which circumstances are responsible for the restrained demand for videoconferencing technology? To what extent do successful users differ from less successful users?
The central result of this study shows that there is no definite pattern of criteria either hampering acceptance or supporting demand. Admittedly, quite a number of criteria do exist, which are important for the acceptance and use of videoconferencing technology e.g. the role model function of executives and management, the kind of introduction (e.g. demonstration conferences) as well as the localization and particularly the organizational integration of videoconferencing equipment within the company.
Nevertheless, there are also cases in which the acceptance is obviously lower (individual or organizational attitudes and usage intensity), although the frame conditions and introduction strategies are nearly the same. Whereas in some companies it is positively accepted that an organizational unit gives videoconferencing support, the same situation can lead to a negative reaction in other companies or departments. Structural features as the plant size or the belonging to a special branch of industry do not contribute to the explanation of the acceptance of videoconferencing.
Many of the intended positive effects of videoconferencing - e.g. improvement of intra-company communication and cost reductions by replacement of business travel activities - only came about marginally in the companies.
It becomes obvious that the introduction of video communication demands an extremely flexible and sensitive procedure adapted to the particular intra-company structure and communication demand of the company.
Only German language version available.
Discussion Paper is no longer available.