Numerous communication technology channels have been implemented into organizations to maintain and improve communication. These communication technology channels include email, phone, Internet, and even Second Life. Various organizations have incorporated Second Life into their communication style.
First, IBM. IBM owns numerous Second Life properties. Peter Westermann did some exploring and found that the IBM site he visited is co-sponsored by a company called Eagle. He found information kiosks offering information to developers. He found the architecture and design of this Island to be fantastic. There are giant glass buildings, ecodomes, and a huge auditorium. There are even futuristic-looking vehicles around the island that you can try out. Oddities include abstract, animated sculptures and even a Time Machine. Everything was very professional, yet relaxed and inviting. It seemed as though there usually is staff at the Island to answer questions and help out.
Secondly, Westermann was transported to H&R Block’s Second Life Island. Just like the IBM Island, it is very stylish and futuristic. The green color used in the logo is featured all over the place. There was a map in the welcome room with orange circles to click, each one teleported you to main sections of the Island. Strangely enough, a prominent feature of this corporate Island was a Ballroom. There is huge dance hall with a disco floor and fountains. H&R Block employees are available to ask about tax or any other questions. H&R Block went even a step further by giving you Second Life inventory items to download which gives you H&R Block branded clothing and such.
Lastly, Westermann visited Geek Squad Island. This is the Island representing the computer repair and support section of Best Buy. Westermann was greeted by two Geek Squad representatives. Upon arriving there was a tall black man using some extremely inappropriate language. The geek squad employees immediately threw him off the island, which was a bit entertaining to watch. It was interesting to see that even in the cyber business world people acting inappropriately are asked to leave. The Miller article we read in this unit talked about how many communication media filters out cues that would be available in face-to-face interactions. In this situation, this can be seen as benefit rather than a downside. The employees were able to easily remove a problem created by a customer’s poor behavior without any face-to-face interaction, which can be very stressful or possibly damaging to an employee.
The Geek Squad Island was very fun and inventive. There were many bright colors and different elements to play with. There are scavenger hunts and prizes the Island gives out for participating in quizzes and surveys. There are even tests to take to see if you are “Geek Squad Material”, presumably for hiring purposes. Westermann sat down and talked to some of the employees because they looked rather bored, and found them to be very friendly.
One of the reading summaries for this unit nicely explains, in a broad sense, the power Second Life is giving corporations: “In summary, new communication technologies offer organizational participants a wide array of interaction and decision-making options that can differ substantially from traditional ways of working. “
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