出版社：International Association for Computer Information Systems
摘要：Once seen as non-productive behavior, instant messaging is now becoming an important tool for business communication. Instant messaging results in communication immediacy, promotes team spirit, and reduces telephone expenses. An important question, however, is whether the trend in industry is consistent among our undergraduate population. As a result, this paper empirically investigates instant messaging from a longitudinal perspective. Over 1500 surveys from students enrolled in various School of Business courses were collected during a six consecutive semester (three year) period. Instant messaging was measured by gender, type, and semester. Results suggest that while nearly all undergraduates utilize instant messaging, there are gender differences. In addition, although 95% of students instant message with friends and family, only six percent instant message with faculty. Moreover, undergraduate instant messaging time levels appear to have peaked and are decreasing. However, because undergraduates use instant messaging as primarily a social tool and few organizations have instant messaging policies, it is uncertain whether students have the knowledge to use instant messaging at work in a professional manner.
