What does this research mean for the field?

While e-mail improves workplace efficiency and productivity through 24/7 access, it is prone to misinterpretation, perceived as more aggressive than telephone conversations, and suffers from reduced employee satisfaction due to spam. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how University of Vermont Extension employees utilize and perceive e-mail for communication.

May 28, 2026

E-Mail Use and Communication Perceptions of University of Vermont Extension Employees

Key Points

The aim is to explore how University of Vermont Extension employees utilize and perceive e-mail for communication.
Survey conducted among University of Vermont Extension employees.
Analyzed preferences for personalized versus broadcast e-mails.
Rated perceptions of e-mail tone compared to other communication methods.
Respondents favored personalized e-mail over broadcast messages for responses.
E-mail tone perceived as more aggressive than telephone conversations.
Most respondents reported increased productivity and efficiency from e-mail despite spam concerns.

Abstract

A study was conducted concerning how University of Vermont Extension employees used and perceived electronic mail as an intra-organizational communication tool. The results indicated that "broadcast" e-mail was less likely to be responded to than personalized e-mail, e-mail tone was considered generally more aggressive than telephone conversations, and sent messages have often been misinterpreted. A high majority of respondents reported that e-mail has made their work easier due to more efficient use of time, increased productivity, and 24/7 access, but that spam is an increasing problem leading to reduced employee satisfaction with e-mail.

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E-Mail Use and Communication Perceptions of University of Vermont Extension Employees

Key Points

Abstract

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