- Year not given
Media choice table
Short answer
A media choice table helps select the right communication medium by comparing options like face-to-face, email, and reports against factors such as urgency and need for a record. Rich media suit complex issues, lean media suit routine updates.
Sketch a media choice table.
A media choice table guides the project team in selecting the most suitable communication medium for different types of communication. It compares media against the nature of the message, so that the right medium is used for the right purpose (a tool adapted from Gido and Clements / Schwalbe, based on media richness theory).
Sketch of a media choice table
| Type of communication | Face-to-face meeting | Phone / video call | Memo / letter | Formal report | Chat / SMS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urgent, need immediate answer | Best | Good | Fair | Poor | Poor | Good |
| Complex, sensitive issue | Best | Good | Poor | Fair | Fair | Poor |
| Needs a permanent record | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Best | Fair |
| Routine status update | Fair | Fair | Best | Fair | Good | Good |
| Large audience / many recipients | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Best | Fair |
| Formal approval / legal | Fair | Poor | Fair | Best | Best | Poor |
| Brainstorming / conflict resolution | Best | Good | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| Team informal chat | Good | Good | Fair | Poor | Poor | Best |
(Poor < Fair < Good < Best.)
Factors for media choice
- Urgency and need for feedback.
- Complexity and sensitivity of the message.
- Number and location of recipients.
- Need for written proof.
- Cost and availability of technology.
- Cultural and language considerations.
Richness of media
Rich <------------------------------------------------> Lean
Face-to-face > Video > Phone > Personal written > Email
> Formal report > Bulk notices
Rich media are better for ambiguous and emotional messages; lean media suit simple, routine information.
Use
The table is included in the communication management plan. It helps the team avoid mistakes such as trying to resolve a serious conflict by email.
Example: A delay in vendor delivery (urgent and complex) is first discussed by phone or in a meeting, then confirmed by email for the record.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)