Communication and Telecommunication

In this paper we discuss the question of whether telecommunication experts are also experts in communication. Reviewing their profile of interest and their formal theories we are led to a rather negative conclusion. Further analysis shows that the knowledge of communication is rather inadequate anyhow: a long list of open questions can be presented. To find out more about these areas we find ourselves involved in sociotechnical research which is quite different from the technical research to which we are accustomed. This is illustrated by listing a number of weak points in the sociotechnical problem formulation. These characteristics reduce the possibility for early spectacular achievements as we are acquainted with in technical studies. The writer is not completely pessimistic however; he believes that an improved understanding of sociotechnical problems may be achieved by a close cooperation between telecommunication specialists and those trained in the humanities and social sciences. Three different strategies are discerned: basic research, field trials, and field work. The writer expresses some preference for the second approach. In conclusion, a reaction is given to the possible objection against sociotechnical studies, namely that divergencies in personal opinion about man and society might hamper agreement on objectives and interpretation. The writer gives a few considerations which he thinks are of general acceptance and sufficient for a common base of action.