What is Sparkversation

Using Smarthinking, Inc. as a case study, effective instant messaging is explored as a viable communication option for organizations, specifically virtual organizations, to decrease the feelings of isolation that telecommuters experience. Instant messaging is used to create a virtual team, thereby allowing its members to develop feelings of camaraderie and maintain and/or increase productivity while creating a virtual-organizational culture. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of instant messaging are addressed from the perspective of the employees and the organization. Finally, the logistics of incorporating instant messaging into a virtual organization, from developing instant messaging guidelines and policies to encouraging effective synchronous communications, are examined.