It really depends on variables such as: scope / depth of question (is it the type of subject that is better expedited in face to face or could it be more readily completed (and non time sensitive) with an email?and the interrelationship as co-worker. Oft times in project management environments documenting the decision / dependency flow by correspondence is critical. In other environments it may not (like asking the admin to order more office supplies that are due for replenishment.
If said co worker comes by consistently asking things that could easily be found in another manner and asks as if I am subject matter expert on things I (for work purposes) am not - it would get annoying and I'd probably start wondering if they have an ulterior motive.
If said co-worker normally interacts with me and sits so close that coming by is more quick and efficient than sending a time consuming email I personally have no problem. If the questions are reflective of not understanding or having the presumed skills for said co-workers job it would become very annoying. These are the type of moves made by people either inept or incompetent for the job they have attained. Or the corporate skater types who've moved around a lot and gain no proficiency so depend heavily on others to do the work and then claim it for their accomplishment / achievement.
I have had some interesting conversations with a sibling in corporate environment who has been besieged by co-worker who is obviously inept and likely been promoted to top of peter principle echelon of corporate achievement and it is very telling when sibling relates the email communication machinations.
Now from working in variety of business type envrionments (large to small) I have noticed a slight generational element to the verbal face to face versus email only. The older generation in my work environment tend more to take opportunity to talk face to face when it makes most sense. Many of the younger employees tend to want everything in email form and discourage face to face communication, or simply have not enough work experience to discern when one or other is best for their responsibilities. Some even seem to be offended if you walk over to their cube / workspace to ask a simple question. I think there is a generational socialization normalization issue (in some cases).
If they only ask you in person and it is not due to socialization desire / needs, it may be to cover up lack of knowledge. Sometimes (as my siblings story relates) these types have no clue to think that other employees talk among themselves (or share email) and may soon realize the constant asker is simply inept.
On other end of spectrum you may be in an industry in which face to face is much more effective time management. Some things if you were to initially communicate in writing may take so much more time and effort to put down in writing where a short walk and discussion to clarify would resolve it.
The other thing I find humorous is the people who schedule meetings to talk about some things that could readily be discussed quickly - at times I think these people like feeling professional by filling up their calendar. Or the 'office political strategy meeting' about the meeting. (Note: This is analogous to corporate mass media guiding the narrative - but I digress)
So, it basically runs the gamut. I can't say one way or the other without knowing if a) both employees have an understanding of preferred type of communication (much like couples counseling compatibability love language / communication style) It may be the level of coworker rapport has not been met to optimize the communication style. If that's the case, a department type work session may be helpful or a simple formal "Face to Face" meeting to discuss preferred communication style?
The trick is not to be onerous if someone has a different style but rather to better understand their's and then have a dialogue about what manner is most effective toward achieving group goals under different scenarios. On the flip side, I have been in corporate organizations which, by their very nature, did not foster a working relationship amongst different departments, but rather a combative one for a variety of reasons; business metrics of departmental success or political infighting and positioning among department leaders, etc...).
As a predominantly subject matter expert type that is mid career I enjoy someone asking face to face when it is possible. It doesn't offend me and many times it (as someone else alluded to) alleviates extraneous correspondence back and forth to achieve understanding.
So it is a mixed bag. In general terms, my perception of someone who wants everything in email and shuns face to face likely is very "CYA", due to either being burned in the past, lack of social verbal communication skills, or simply compartmentalizes their 'social persona' in work place, prefers rigid linear type communication versus fluid or is relatively inexperienced and tends to ruminate over every step of activity until they feel more proficient in their role.
A person who always goes verbal face to face may be (
in negative sense) a drama creator and provocateur in business environment. The political weasel to have denialability and playing off people against each other i.e. "I didn't say that", type responses with no document trail. Or,
in the positive sense, is a soft skills people connector / enabler who uses such interactions selectively to build better rapport among co workers.
I see from the last comment this is type of person who implies immediacy without providing full context of a request (very annoying if it is her standard MO, but easily forgivable if inexperienced). Perhaps a sit down 'face to face' with her would help clarify for future situations?
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