Mobile Technology and Organizational Culture: The Challenges of Using Mobile Instant Messaging for Managing Work in the Malaysian Army

Abstract

Mobile technology is one of the most favoured communication platforms in modern organizations. However, the organizations facing challenges in utilizing this technology and have given little regard to the possible setbacks of its usage. In the Army, the use of mobile instant messaging (MIM) may create conflicts with its command function, the flow of information, work focus, and military doctrines and values. The paper explains the nature of organizational communication in the Malaysian Army and the challenges of MIM usage in the Army working environment in the context of organizational culture. The findings based on the case study on the suitability of MIM usage in the Malaysian Army. Twelve Army officers from the ranks of Major and Lieutenant Colonel were selected for semi-structured interviews. The study discovers that military organization is a unique entity that having its own norms of work and social relationship and the values of the Army should be preserved during communication. The paper ends with recommendations to commanders and managers in the Army on how the technology should be utilized at the workplace.