Disadvantages

Information and communication technology has proven to have great benefits throughout the world, but there are some disadvantages that are worth looking into. Although in the long run, information and communication technologies can save money and increase productivity, they are costly and difficult to get started (Arvanitis & Loukis, 2009, p.45). There have been many social issues that come along with these technologies that have been arising in the workplace as well. According to Stephens and Davis (2009) information and communication technologies have become a huge distraction in meetings (p.67). Stephens and Davis’ (2009) research findings also show that “The more people perceive themselves as communicatively overloaded, the more they will engage in electronic multitasking during meetings,” (p.68). This has caused those with authoritative power to set in place certain social rules and regulations regarding the use of communication devices in certain areas or during certain times. Those who follow the rules put in place have a higher productivity than those who fail to use the communication tools properly (Stephens and Davis, 2009, p.67).

Looking at information and communication technology from a global perspective, there can be huge language and cultural barriers that (although technology helps) are difficult to overcome. According to Shachaf (2008), “vocal and non-verbal cues are often missed. In addition, with members in multiple time zones, logistics are more complex. As a result, building trust among team members . . . becomes a challenge,” (p.131). There are many “communication breakdowns due to technology, misunderstanding, mishearing, and misinterpreting,” (Anderson & Shane, 2002, p.3). This eventually makes cohesion and team identity difficult (Shachaf, 2008, p.134)..

Another flaw in information and communication technology is that it is difficult to make the information being passed one hundred percent secure. The files being transferred can be hacked or may contain viruses or worms (Anderson & Shane, 2002, p.3). Companies have begun to develop software to protect files being transferred so hopefully this will be less of a problem in the future. Facilitation of the information is also somewhat of an issue. The online meeting programs generally allow the users to read, write, execute, and delete the postings. If everyone has the ability to utilize all features, messages may be deleted or tampered with (Anderson & Shane, 2002, p.32).