We live in digital age where the evolution of cloud computing, social networks and virtual communications are making our daily tasks quicker and easier.  But ‘The Power of In-Person’ infographic from Cisco reveals some interesting observations, claiming in-person communication is powerful, and more effective than virtual communications (see full infographic below).

Based on a survey conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit and Cisco, the majority of business leaders unanimously agree that in-person communication is the most powerful way of sharing information, and is a valuable asset for a successful workplace. The survey was conducted among 862 business leaders to evaluate the impact of more than 30 business processes.

Half of the leaders agree that gauging engagement and focus is critical to communication. 75 percent leaders are in same page that in-person communication is critical to better evaluate the business process.

Critical business processes and strategies approval such as an initial meeting, project kick-offs, managing problems with others, crisis management, evaluating new ideas or innovations, development of project plans, contract agreement and expansion, contract renewal and meeting with new clients, require in-person collaboration.

Rise of virtual communications in the business world

While the business world believes verbal and non-verbal face to face interactions are vital to understand the content of the conversation, and building a strong relationship in the workplace, over 60 percent of sharing and communication is still done via electronic means.

More than 79 percent of business leaders trust in-person communication with clients and customers, with a higher impact than email, phone and web conference. Nevertheless, about 53 percent strongly agree that electronics media like telepresence and video enables richer, more productive relationships with colleagues, clients and suppliers.

Moreover, about half of the participants agree that telepresence save both time and money, reaping the rewards in business decisions.  Additionally, telepresence improves talent hiring, accelerates product time to market with more face-to-face brainstorming and develops relationship and spontaneous global gathering.

Cisco, a pioneer in network technology and telecommunications, conducted another study in January regarding the perceptions around tablet form-factor mobile devices in the enterprise. The study revealed mobile workers and virtual workspaces are expected to continue to rise in coming years, and 2012 is seen as a year in which enterprise-grade tablet computing will undergo a significant shift within the enterprise world.