Reference no: EM133391311

Lakeridge Consulting is headquartered in a remote part of Nova Scotia. It relies heavily on the latest Internet-based communication systems since most of its highly trained consultants live in major cities throughout Canada. Most of these consultants work from home (telecommuting) with sophisticated home office technologies at their disposal.

The organization prides itself in maintaining very high customer service. For example, client inquiries are resolved satisfactorily in less than 24 hours, 90 percent of the time. This business model has been in place for nearly ten years and Lakeridge Consulting is considered a pioneer in the financial consulting business. Employees prefer to communicate using various forms of email, instant messaging, and web-based programs. Over the years, this has proven to be the most efficient way of doing business at a distance, while involving a disparate workforce.

Rakshinda is a new staff member and has been experiencing difficulties adjusting to the communication media typically used at Lakeridge.

She complains, "I don't understand why my supervisor and coworkers are so reluctant to call me. I'm beginning to think they don't like me." After looking into the matter, you determine the problem originates with Rakshinda's perception of the way Lakeridge conducts business, and manages its communication channels. Reassure Rakshinda by explaining the factors in social acceptance that account for the present situation.