Impact of telecommunications in the work setting Free Essay Example, 2000 words

The Impact of Telecommunications in the Work Setting David Shope National The Impact of Telecommunications in the Work Setting Introduction The term ‘telecommunications’ is broad and encompassing across different root words: telephone, telegraph and communications. As one searched on more accurate definition of the term, the search engine came up with more than 60.1 million results in a matter of 0.24 seconds (Google, 2013). One simple definition indicated that it is the â€Å"is the exchange of information over significant distances by electronic means† (Rouse, 2007, par. 1). Another more detailed definition of the term disclosed its meaning as the â€Å"science and technology associated, in general, with communications at a distance. A telecommunications system requires a analog or digital transmitter, a compatible receiver, and a physical (cable or wire) or non-physical (wireless) connection† (Web Finance, Inc. , 2013, par. 1). Messerschmitt (1996) revealed that â€Å"the term telecommunications is derived from â€Å"tele†, meaning at a distance, and â€Å"communications†, meaning exchanging of information† (p. 1). If defining the term apparently generated voluminous results, one was more intrigued on how telecommunications have evolved and impacted the contemporary work setting. We will write a custom essay sample on Impact of telecommunications in the work setting or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now In this regard, the current discourse aims to present the impact of telecommunications in contemporary work settings, or how telecommunications have significantly shaped the work place. Historical Overview of Telecommunications A discussion on the historical background of telecommunication actually traced its origins from the discovery of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 (von Alven, 1998), 137 years from now. Previous to that, it was interesting to note that forms of communication included fire signals, carrier pigeons, and even a line of canon that relayed relevant messages (von Alven, 1998). Also, other communication patterns such as the Chappe brothers’ semaphore system which â€Å"consisted of movable arms on a pole whose positions denoted letters of the alphabet† (von Alven: Early Beginnings, 1998, par. 1) and the electric telegraph were also noted. Telecommunications in the 21st century has evolved in a rapidly changing pace due to the merging with the computer industry and the emergence of the Internet (Messerschmitt, 1996). As such, it pervaded vast industries and endeavors that transformed diverse facets of the work setting through increased access to information and t hrough the use of new technologies and communications facilities that provided new applications in faster, greater and wider scope.