An analysis of the effectiveness of electronic mail in the United States Coast Guard

Abstract

This study investigates and analyzes the effectiveness of electronic mail as a communication channel in the United States Coast Guard. The study develops and uses a multi-perspective approach to measure effectiveness; channel effectiveness is measured from an organizational, technical, and personal perspective. The concept of perceived effectiveness is used to measure effectiveness within each the multi-perspectives. The study uses input data from survey forms returned by 108 Coast Guard Officers, Civilian, and Enlisted personnel stationed at United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington D.C. The study arrives at several statistically significant conclusions on how the Coast Guard should evaluate, design, and manage communication systems such as electronic mail in order to maximize effectiveness.