Computer networking among faculty members: the effects of computer networking on faculty communication and culture

Because computer networking has become an important communication medium for faculty members, this study was conducted to explore the effects of computer networking upon faculty communication and culture. Members of research universities I astronomy departments (N = 180) were surveyed to find out how computer networking affected their communication and shared disciplinary and institutional cultures;Results showed that computer networking was most used for exchange between research partners. In addition, computer networking decreased the use of the telephone and conventional mail but had no effect on other traditional media. Computer networking also increased communication between remote colleagues. The effect of computer networking on faculty culture was minimal. However, in the slight differences which did appear, high level computer networkers defined the discipline and institution with a slightly different set of constructs. Moderate level computer network users held significantly different beliefs about the actual and ideal states of the discipline and institution. High level computer networkers were the least satisfied with the current state of their institutions. The low and high level computer networking groups showed more difference between the beliefs and ideal states they hold for their discipline and institution and their beliefs of other\u27s beliefs and ideal states. The computer groups varied most on the cooperation construct and on their beliefs and ideal states of the institution