This paper identifies three basic criteria for good business communications on an international level--clarity, effectiveness, and good will--and presents a model for effective information transfer via electronic media. It argues that electronic mail (e-mail) messages do not meet these criteria even though more and more domestic and international business communication is being conducted exclusively through electronic data transmission. It also points out that there are fundamental differences in the way people examine and react to the same information, depending on whether it is presented on a computer monitor screen or in print media. The paper examines these differences and develops a general set of principles for document design, layout, organization, and structure, to maximize efficient interpersonal information transfer via electronic media. These principles are reduced to a checklist that can be applied to the design and development of electronic business communications. The paper concludes that while most business communicators are aware of the potential impact of the media on their messages, this fact seems to be ignored when they use e-mail and electronic note systems. The application of a few simple design principles and the use of straightforward checklist can have rich potential rewards in developing successful and efficient electronic business communications. (Contains 9 references.) (JLB)