Her colleague explained that their mutual boss was out of town and that, even when he was in town, he never used the electronic mail system to review documents. A group's maturity and the repetitiveness of its tasks enhance the group's ability to use electronic messaging effectively. The documents I studied were written by managers who often work with one another on similar assignments, and operate in a hierarchical structure with clear lines of authority and responsibility for written products. The routine of the work assignments and the maturity of the group seemed to contribute to the effective use of the technology and to the ease with which the group used it. Electronic messaging reduces geographical distances.
Electronic messaging allows for geographical dispersion of staff.
Two of the key managers in Marketing have their offices outside of Los Angeles. The manager in charge of graphics for brochures, ads, and manuals is located in Boulder, Colorado. She participates in all projects by using the electronic messaging system. The Head of International Marketing has his office in Toronto. As one example of the system's benefits, the Head of International Marketing reported that, although he has met with the President only six times since he was hired a year ago, their use of electronic messaging has enabled him to feel a closer connection to the President than the six meetings would suggest.