In business, the situation with technology sometimes resembles a person stranded on a deserted island, surrounded by water, but none to drink.

We have more ways to communicate than ever before, according to Stephen Paskoff, a human resources specialist, but despite that, all the advances in communication technology have done little to help us understand each other better. In fact, the plethora of communication modes may be adding to the problem. This becomes something that human resources specialists need to keep in mind, given the fact that workplace harassment and other communications problems and conflicts  usually end up in their area.

The fact is that when we write something, we have a particular meaning in mind, but the message often is interpreted in a different way by the recipient. When this happens, there can be misunderstandings and conflict.

Part of the problem stems from our relationships with others, Paskoff says. When we get a message from someone we like, we interpret the message in a positive way. We are generally willing to accept statements at face value, and assume a sincere intent. But when the message comes from someone we have a more ambiguous or contentious relationship with, we automatically adopt a certain stance toward the message, becoming more guarded, more suspicious of meaning and motives.

Take for example, Paskoff says, the message, “Great seeing you. That was some presentation you made. I couldn’t believe you did that.” Then think about the different ways you would interpret that message coming from a friend or an enemy, Paskoff says.

Texting, because the messages are so brief, can sometimes create even more misunderstandings, even though they are more convenient. Misunderstandings are likely to escalate, with globalization increasingly bringing together people of diverse ages, nationalities, cultures, and idioms.

While Paskoff says he has no clear solution to the problem, he recommends using tools such as email and texting more for just informational purposes, rather than messages of a more nuanced nature.

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