Top Tech Trends
Deloitte's Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) industry group recently released "Predictions 2007," a series of three reports that examine emerging developments and how
they will shape the TMT marketplace. The usual suspects that impact communicators topped the list, with trends pointing to:
- A continued evolution of social networking media;
- A move towards green technologies as portable power needs increase;
- Law-driven digital storage expansion based on companies' legal obligations to keep years of data;
- User-generated content continuing to empower consumers, making them proverbial media moguls; and
- The development of new media metrics and comparable statistics, allowing companies, customers and investors to more accurately judge performance.
The Softer Side Of Capitalism
Corporate America may have a reputation for being self-serving and greedy, but new statistics released by the Conference Board counter that tendency with news that corporate
contributions to charitable causes are on the rise, pointing to more robust CSR programs across the board. Among the findings:
- Total corporate contributions in the United States and abroad - based on 211 corporations and foundations - equaled $9.8 billion in 2005;
- Contributions have increased by 18% among the largest corporations and foundations between 2004 and 2005;
- Health and human services remained the top priority, receiving approximately 56% of the total dollar-contribution;
- However, this number is impacted by the fact that pharmaceutical companies accounted for 43% of giving in the U.S.; and
- Education received 15% of total charitable contributions, ranking second to health and human services.
Business V. Consumer
A study released last month by Burson-Marsteller sheds some light on the issues that global businesses find most pressing, many of which fall into the realm of communications
executives' obligations, responsibilities and challenges. The top 10 are:
1. The cost of technology
2. Affordability of staying ahead of competitors using the latest technology
3. Ability of hackers to break into company computer systems
4. Cost of energy and impact on profit
5. Ability to use technology to reach customers in a fruitful manner
6. Improved solutions to backing up and storing company data
7. Leveraging technology effectively to enable a more satisfying/productive work environment for employees
8. Leveraging technology to enhance reputation and innovation
9. (tie) Ensuring appropriate employee behavior
9. (tie) Ability of countries to provide clean water
10. Increasing healthcare costs requiring the government or employees to pass on a greater share of the costs to employees
What's surprising (or perhaps not) is the extreme incongruence between businesses' top 10 concerns and those of consumers, which include:
1. Ability to pay for healthcare for myself or family
2. Identity theft
3. Cost of food
4. Alternative fuel sources for homes and cars
5. Ability of hackers to break into a personal computer
6. Identifying new automotive technologies to reduce dependence on foreign oil and preserve environment
7. Ability of the government or employer to provide adequate health benefits
8. Ability to access advanced medical care and technology
9. Ability of countries to provide clean water
10. Practicing a healthy lifestyle
Power Of 'Thank You'
A new survey developed by staffing service Accountemps reveals that saying "thank you" goes a long way when it comes to keeping employee motivation and morale high. The study,
which surveyed approximately 2,000 employees and CFOs, found that, when it comes to non-monetary rewards:
- 35% of employees and 30% of CFOs cite frequent recognition of accomplishments as the most effective motivator;
- 20% of employees and 36% of CFOs prefer regular communication with staff; and
- 17% of employees and 20% of CFOs look for increased responsibility.