Using political skill through computer-mediated communication channels in engineering teams

Author

Ladan Kamfar

Abstract

“This study focused on the impact of the computer in supervisor-subordinate communication in engineering work environments. It investigated the impact of utilizing political skill to manage members of technical or engineering teams through computer- mediated communication (CMC) channels. Specifically, the study investigated the impact that CMC had on the success of influence attempts by politically skilled team leaders on team members. It was theorized that by matching the proper political skill technique to the work context, leaders would be more likely to be successful in their influence attempts.

This research was conducted via a survey completed by both supervisors/managers and their subordinates and employees. There were two questionnaires. The first questionnaire gathered information about a manager’s level of political skill and a managers’ ability to select and use computer-mediated media. The second questionnaire gathered information about employees’ perceptions about how influential their managers were in specific contexts.

The results of the survey indicated that influence attempt success for complicated tasks is highly correlated with the media. Also, it was supported that choosing CMC can be as effective as, but more efficient than face to face communication of simple tasks such as scheduling a meeting. The correlation between four fundamental components of political skill and influence attempt success was tested. The research also showed that politically skilled managers, mostly tend to choose the right media based on the task complexity"--Abstract, iv.

Advisor(s)

Ammeter, A. P.

Committee Member(s)

Spurlock, David
Haynes, W. Lance (William Lance)

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Engineering Management

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2002

Pagination

ix, 40 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 38-39).

Rights

© 2002 Ladan Kamfar, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Telematics
Communication in organizations

Thesis Number

T 8046

Print OCLC #

50395915

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Kamfar, Ladan, "Using political skill through computer-mediated communication channels in engineering teams" (2002). Masters Theses. 2158.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/2158