Communications and Telecommuting, a Supervisory Perspective
             Given the recent advances in Technology and the changes this brought to business communications, revolutionary impacts on the traditional workplace are predictable. The modern workplace is truly global in its realm. It is imperative that an organization integrates communication systems that are international in scope. The basic premise remains clear, concise and goal oriented communication. However, today's supervisors and organizations must come to terms with the use of these new systems.
             With the advent of new digital telecommunication systems and networks, it is inevitable that these advances should integrate into business. The new trend is toward a "virtual workspace," that is telecommuting or "telework," as referred to in Europe. A new telecommunication industry has materialized. Known as Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) this discipline promotes the study and regulation of the industry. Telecommuting is becoming a norm. Alan Cummings stated in this months Vision magazine,
             "Small, disparate groups of entrepreneurs now dominate a dynamic, business-oriented culture in which qualifications matter greatly; social status, age, and gender count for little; and actual performance is everything. Most professionals use more productively the time and money they once spent commuting, and many people arrange their working lives around their social needs. The multi-skilled, flexible worker can be of any age; it is common for octogenarians to work to supplement their retirement income or savings. Because professionals work online from home, mobility is a bygone concern and commuter traffic jams are almost unknown."
             To paraphrase Cummings: "Technophobics" will relegate to the level of unskilled labor. These will emerge as an alienated labor force, stuck in "neo-dead-end" jobs. This new "technocracy" brings ne...