CANADIAN MIDDLE MANAGER EXPERIENCE WITH MOBILE EMAIL TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Mobile technologies such as BlackBerry have revolutionized communication structures in organizations and society. This phenomenological study explores the characteristics and perceived effects of frequent BlackBerry usage as perceived by approximately 20 middle managers from Toronto and Vancouver, Canada. Using Moustakas' modified van Kaam Methodology, seven themes emerged. These are (1) BlackBerry's perceived effect on employee effectiveness; (2) BlackBerry's perceived impact on personal life; (3) the perceived impact of BlackBerry technology on communication quality; (4) feelings that occur when BlackBerry technology malfunctions; (5) perceived effect of convergence on employees and organizations; (6) perception and experiences of addictiveness of frequent BlackBerry use; and (7) recommendations for using the technology to maximize the organizational effectiveness. The emerging themes of the study were discussed to provide future direction for organizational managers.

Keywords:

• BlackBerry
• mobile technology
• technology management
• qualitative method