Communication apprehension as a determinant of channel preferences

The effects of communication apprehension on channel (face-to-face, telephone, written) choices were investigated in a population of 68 educators. Results indicated that various measures of communication apprehension, telephone apprehension, and writing apprehension, can account for a small, significant percentage of the variance in channel preferences. Results were interpreted as suggesting that personal fears (apprehensions) have the potential to reduce organizational efficiency and interfere with the achievement of personal g s. MANY INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE MEMBERS of an organization are required to initiate communication with other members of the organization. In order to initiate communication one must select a communication channel from the three options that are typically available-a face-to-face meeting, a telephone call, or a written message. Experience suggests that channel selection decisions rarely require full engagement of an individual’s decision-making skills and in fact are frequently matters of habit. Experience also suggests that channel decisions may be affected by a variety of factors including proximity, organizational structure, interpersonal relationships, message content, and, perhaps, communication apprehension