An examination of the relationship between UT Extension Program Assistants\u27 use of communication technology in the workplace and their ability to successfully communicate with coworkers and the community

This study examined the relationship between the level of communication technology use in the workplace by University of Tennessee Extension program assistants and their interpersonal communication skills. There were seven quantitative research questions and one qualitative question. The main research question explored whether a significant difference existed in employees’ reported levels of communication skills in the workplace, as measured by the sociocommunicative orientation (SCO) scale, based on employees’ reported levels of communication technology use. Other questions explored whether there was a significant interaction between employees’ reported levels of communication technology use and their job positions on their levels of communication skills, a significant interaction between employees’ reported level of communication technology use and areas of foci on their levels of communication skills, a significant difference in employees’ assertiveness or responsiveness scores based on reported levels of communication technology use, and a significant difference in employees’ SCO scores based on their job position or areas of foci. Analysis of variance and chi-square tests were administered to determine relationships, if any. The qualitative question asked Extension administrators about their perceptions of differences or similarities in program assistants’ levels of communication skills relative to their associated job positions and areas of foci. Direct analysis was conducted on the telephone interview question to determine trends or common themes. Although analyses of data for the seven quantitative questions revealed no significant differences in level of communication skills based on level of communication technology use, common themes emerged relative to interpersonal communication skills for program assistants. Common themes that emerged specifically from analysis of the telephone interview transcripts give cause for recommendations for further study as relates to communication skills and communication skills development for program assistants