Group-calling, similar to Conference call

Conference call

A conference call is a telephone call in which the calling party wishes to have more than one called party listen in to the audio portion of the call. The conference calls may be designed to allow the called party to participate during the call, or the call may be set up so that the called party...

, is a means of communication

Communication

Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...

 where the calling party wishes to involve multiple parties. In comparison to conference calling, all parties involved in a call always have the opportunity to participate actively. Alternatively, group calling also functions as a means of leaving voice message to defined groups. The calling initiator calls a number that identifies the caller and inquires the caller as to which of the caller’s defined groups the voice message should be sent to. Many US-based group calls now take place using free conference calling services.

Usage

Group calling offers, as an implication of its functionality, alternative opportunities and new settings for group communication. The concept of group-calling, moves conference calling to a more social and flexible means of interaction

Interaction

Interaction is a kind of action that occurs as two or more objects have an effect upon one another. The idea of a two-way effect is essential in the concept of interaction, as opposed to a one-way causal effect...

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Events

When preparing for an event, such as a party, reunion, or meeting, all of those involved are called at any one time to spread the necessary information or come to an agreement and make decisions together.

Educational purposes

A significant amount of coursework is completed in groups. A common problem is having the time and place to assemble the entire group for the purpose of working together. With the concept of group calling, group members need not be together at all times for group work. Agreements upon complicated decisions related to the direction of the assignment are made in a group-call, with all active group members taking part in the conversation actively.

Social groups, Clubs and Teams

Communication in groups is often utilized for the purpose of spreading an important message or agreeing upon decisions that need to be made together. The group-calling concept is applied to groups with the need to involve all or most members at a specific point in time.

Prayer groups and Support groups

Group calling is an alternative to getting together in cases where the need for communication is sudden or more frequent. This calling method is commonly used for groups that wish to communicate together spontaneously, or on a daily basis without having to meet personally, as it is a quick and mobile alternative.

Small businesses

Similar to conference calling, group calling is used in business situations where decisions must be made and the necessary people are not all in one place due to either geographical dispersion or flexible work hours.