Direction, Function, and Signature in Electronic Mail

The present study performed a content analysis on 157 electronic mail files received over the course of several months by a middle level manager in a computer services depart ment of a large organization. The mail was coded and analyzed according to the direc tion of the communication through the hierarchy of the organization, the communication function of the mail, and whether or not the mail contained a redundant signature. Significant differences were found (chi-square=45.40, p< .001) in the communication function according to the direction of the communication. Vertical mail was more restricted in function than horizontally directed mail and was used primarily to exchange information. The presence or absence of a signature in the mail reflected the direction mail was sent through the organizational hierarchy. Subordinates and others signed mail signiftcantly more often than superiors (chi-square=18.62, p<.001).The present results describe the communication functions and paralanguage found in electronic mail in one organization. Based on these results, the impact of electronic mail use upon the organizational communication system is discussed.