When asked how often email substitutes face-to-face communications, 92 percent of respondents said managers often send an email message rather than meet one-on-one.

Executives also were asked, "Aside from face-to-face communication, which of the following is the most effective way to communicate with employees?" Forty-three percent said they use email, 31 percent telephone, and 20 percent videoconferences to communicate with employees.

"For busy managers, email is the next best thing to meeting in person," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. However, Messmer cautions against using it exclusively. "Face-to-face meetings reduce the potential for miscommunication, allowing individuals to share ideas and feedback with the benefit of vocal inflections, facial expressions and body language," he said.

Messmer advises managers to choose the medium appropriate for the message."If the topic will involve debate or requires reaching a group consensus, arrange a meeting or conference call to address the matter," he said. "For one-way communication or inquiries requiring little discussion, email may be the most effective and timely vehicle."