TRANSPORT TELECOMMUNICATION INTERACTIONS - EMPIRICAL-EVIDENCE FROM A VIDEOCONFERENCING FIELD TRIAL IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM

In companies where regular use became established, the role of videoconferencing was primarily as a complement to traditional face-to-face meetings, as well as to simpler forms of communication, substituting for both to an extent, and also being used in its own right; 87% of survey respondents felt their trips had decreased, and 75% found it a satisfactory alternative to travel. A decline in spontaneity within meetings was compensated by shorter duration, a higher degree of task orientation, increased effectiveness, and speedier decision making. In firms where regular use did not occur, various factors relating to the planning and management of the facility were mainly responsible, rather than any failings in the basic concept of videoconferencing.