Communication (Media Richness Concept)

What is Media Richness Theory?

The idea that communication media vary in their ability to convey information and reduce ambiguity; richer media are better for complex or emotional messages.

Rich Media

Communication channels that allow immediate feedback, multiple cues (tone, facial expressions), personalization, and language variety (e.g., face-to-face communication).

Lean Media

Communication channels with fewer cues and slower feedback, best for simple or routine messages (e.g., email, memos).

When should rich media be used?

When messages are complex, emotional, controversial, ambiguous, or require clarification.

When should lean media be used?

When messages are routine, simple, informational, or require documentation.

Examples of Rich Media

Face-to-face meetings, video calls, phone calls, interactive discussions.

Examples of Lean Media

Emails, memos, reports, text messages, newsletters.

Why can lean media cause misunderstanding?

Because they lack nonverbal cues and immediate feedback, increasing the risk of misinterpretation.

True or False: Richer media are always better than lean media.

False

True or False: Choosing the appropriate medium depends on the audience and complexity of the content.

True