Are you managing your email -- or is email managing you? An analysis of email among personnel within Army Project Management Offices

Abstract

Based on a class project that developed leadership communication competencies for seven levels of Army civilians, email was found to be the most prevalent means of communication, regardless of leadership level. Additionally, there was a widespread perception that email communication needs to be improved. This thesis seeks to explore the clarity, efficiency and effectiveness of email among personnel within Army project management offices. This study included four phases: 1) a review of the relevant literature, 2) a log of email received by five project officer's in the US Army Project Management Office, 3) a questionnaire to gather data about email usage in the Project Management Office, and 4) a thematic analysis of a sample of problematic emails. The findings suggest that an overwhelming volume of email, perception that email responses must be expeditious, and the prevalence of enabling technology, contribute most significantly to email overload. Recommendations include the proposal to initiate corporate email policy and training, thus standardizing best practices and regulating email usage.