The risk of using IM for business communication includes potential misuse as a broad communication tool, lack of formal communication structure compared to email, and concerns related to user authentication and data security.
One risk of using IM for business communication is the potential for misuse as a one-to-many broadcast method, which could lead to information overload or inappropriate sharing of sensitive information.
IM lacks the more formal structure of email, which typically encourages more thoughtful and targeted communication. When comparing IM to other communication methods, it's clear that IM typically lacks the features for structured, formal communication that emails provide, which can include detailed subject lines, carbon copy (CC) and blind carbon copy (BCC) functionalities, and a generally more professional tone.
This could potentially result in misuse, as the casual nature of IM may lead to sharing information with a broader audience than necessary, either intentionally or accidentally.
In addition, there are other considerations when it comes to using IM for business purposes, such as the need for user authentication to ensure that sensitive business information remains secure, which might be a concern if IM platforms aren't equipped with robust security measures.
Lastly, while IM is generally considered cost-effective and is widely available, it's crucial to ensure that the IM platform aligns with the company's communication policies to maintain professionalism and protect the company's data.