Feasibility of social networking media in project communications management based on task-technology fit

Abstract

Conventional communication mediums, such as email have been supporting project communication. However, studies have shown that project failure's rate is high and project communications failure is the main reason due to the failure to support activities that fall in project communication. This study examines the feasibility of Social Network Media (SNM) in Project Communications Management (PCM). PCM activities and SNM essential features have been identified through literature review. Task and technology categorization have been conducted to categorize PCM activities and SNM essential features into fit profile. Fit profile describes the fitness between these two different entities designed by utilizing the theory of Task-Technology Fit (TTF). Survey has been conducted to test the fit profile against respondent's past experiences and opinions. The feasibility result was positive with no significant difference between theory and real-life environment. User behaviour, project type factor and communication channel complexity were excluded from the examination as these factors should be in another study.