Complementary channel use and the role of social competence

• Autores: Erin K. Ruppel, Tricia J. Burke
• Localización: Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, ISSN-e 1083-6101, Vol. 20, Nº. 1, 2015, págs. 37-51
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This study focused on channel complementarity among various interpersonal communication channels (face-to-face, telephone, e-mail, text messaging, and Facebook). We looked at daily channel use among 136 participants and demonstrated complementary channel use among most combinations of channels, excluding face-to-face. We also extended channel complementarity theory by examining social competence as a moderator of channel complementarity. Results indicated that telephone and text messaging exhibited complementarity at high but not low levels of social competence, whereas e-mail and text messaging exhibited complementarity at low but not high levels of social competence. Face-to-face communication and Facebook exhibited a displacement relationship at high but not low levels of social competence. Implications for channel complementarity theory and the role of individual characteristics are discussed.