ABSTRACT
ELECTRONIC mail systems are often viewed as the cornerstoneof the "office of the future" (Bair, 1979). These systems, whichenable asynchronous yet potentially rapid textual interaction between individuals or groups, can be integrated with other functions of computers such as word processing or information retrieval to create a powerful support system for information workers. A substantial body of literature supports the general finding that managers and professionals spend a large proportion of their work day in communication·related activities, as much as 70 to 80 percent (Bair, 1979; Klemmer & Snyder, 1972; Mintzberg, 1973; Ruchinskas, 1982). Because the managerial and professional labor force represent the greatest proportion of costs for labor, and the bulk of their time is spent communicating, improvements in the process of communication should have the greatest payoff to organizations. The argument is made by proponents ofnew office technologies that computer·mediated systems of communication can overcome many of the inefficiencies of communication in the workplace, leading to significant increases in productivity (compare Bair, 1979; Uhlig, Farber, & Bair, 1979). Correspondence and requests for reprints: Charles W. Steinfield, Department of Telecommunication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1212.
