Organizational Communication Flow in the Virtual Platform "Hellocation Korea" (Descriptive Study on Full Work from Home System)

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has fundamentally altered traditional organizational structures, giving rise to fully virtual entities operating under a Work-from-Home (WFH) system. This descriptive qualitative study examines the dynamics and challenges of organizational communication flow—specifically downward, upward, and lateral—within "Hellocation Korea," an online educational platform operating exclusively through virtual means. Leveraging theories of organizational communication and media richness, the research aims to describe the established communication channels, the effectiveness of message transmission, and the barriers encountered in this technologically mediated environment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with key personnel and observation of digital documents (Sutopo, 2006). Findings indicate that while the WFH system offers significant geographic flexibility (Kanetaki et al., 2022), it necessitates highly formalized and redundant digital channels to ensure clarity and accountability in the downward flow. Upward flow is often channel-dependent, thriving in dedicated feedback platforms but facing barriers related to digital burnout and perceived accessibility. Lateral communication, essential for complex task coordination (Swandhana, 2017), relies heavily on instant messaging and collaborative document systems. The study concludes that successful virtual organizational communication requires a blend of technological proficiency, explicit communication policies, and intentional efforts to foster social presence, compensating for the lack of non-verbal cues inherent in face-to-face interaction.