• by Masha Geller , June 7, 2001

Here's an interesting contradiction to the all-too-familiar theory of the Internet endangering the age-old methods of face-to-face negotiation and media buying.

A majority of businesswomen in a recent survey think their ideas are more likely to be heard, appreciated and responded to when they use online communication at work, compared to the traditional face-to-face method.

The finding emerged in a survey of 675 mid-level and senior businesswomen from across the nation, developed by the Simmons Graduate School of Management (GSM) Center for Gender in Organizations. It was administered by the Compaq Computer Corporation during the GSM's national Leadership Conference for Women in May, attended by 2,600 businesswomen.

Approximately two-thirds of the women thought that using online communication compared to face-to-face communication meant their ideas are more likely to be heard (65%), that their colleagues are more responsive (66%), and that it is easier to express their thoughts (67%).

Sixty percent said online communication made it easier to get a meaningful place in workplace discussions and decision- making, and 52% said their work was more likely to be appreciated. Fifty-seven percent felt their gender matters less when they use e-mail or online collaboration tools, compared to communicating face-to-face.

The survey also found that 84% of the women agreed strongly or somewhat strongly that they are more productive using e- mail and online collaboration tools; 75% said they do more work in less time. Additionally, 63% say online communication improves their workplace creativity, while 40% say it gives them less time for creativity.

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