How Can Project Managers Reduce the Misunderstandings That Occur in E-mail Communication?

Abstract

E mail communication is used extensively by project managers to communicate with stakeholders and complex project teams during the course of a project. Effective use of this communication channel can aid in achieving project success. This research reviews in detail the communication process within an organisational context. It discusses why effective communication is important for a project manager and how it fits their needs. Research is conducted in a real life organisational setting examining samples of e mail misunderstandings provided by a group of project managers. The analysis of the research results, along with a review of the literature allows the author to provide advice on how project managers can reduce the misunderstandings that occur in e mail communication. Recommendations are made on how the project manager can improve the effectiveness of their e mail communication. Finally, implications of these results for further research and practice are discussed.