Organizational Communication Essay Research Paper

Organizational Communication Essay, Research Paper

“Communication is the process of transmitting and receiving ideas, information, and messages. The rapid transmission of information over long distances and the ready access to information have become conspicuous and important factors of human society, especially in the past 150 years”(D’Aprix p.96). The encyclopedia definition of communication encompasses the idea of exchanging a variety of messages with others (Columbia 1978). Communication in the business world is imperative for success. This is especially true for interpersonal communication, communication between management and staff, and for practically every other contact a business has, both within its own establishment and the outside world. The process of communication is very complex and is a major factor in the success of a company. This paper will focus on the different types of communication, including verbal and non-verbal, listening and responding, and physical and personal factors that influence successful communication.

In order to have successful communication, one must understand verbal and non-verbal communication. Interpersonal skills start with the understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal cues are dependent on language usage. “Sometimes the message they carry is incomplete or even entirely different from our intended meaning”(Adler p. 70). In society, we can look at different dialects as a barrier. A comparative example of this is the United States, Canada, and England where we all speak the English language but with several differences. Even though all three countries speak the same language, deciphering the word meaning dialects can be problematic. Different use of words within countries can make it impossible to understand the original message. Adler states, “the most basic language problems involve misunderstandings”(Alder p. 70). For example, traveling to Europe our group experienced a verbal miscommunication when asking for a restroom. We were informed that they have no such thing. A co-worker in our group who has been to Europe several times explained that they are referred to as “toilets.” After that explanation we then understood that difference in words and were able to successfully find our restrooms. In the classroom we practiced an exercise in small groups that was called Active Listening. During the interaction of this exercise the group was given sentences to paraphrase. It was interesting to hear the different meanings to the same words. In the exercise we saw how verbal interaction was misconstrued. It is these types of misunderstandings, which happen globally that, can take place in an organization and lead to unsuccessful communication.

Language can clearly upset people. “It can motivate, inspire and amuse audiences”(Alder p.76). To avoid upsetting the audience, you should not use, “terms that seem to be objective but actually conceal an emotional bias”(Adler p.76). For instance, in the workplace, an employee pondering of a problem might cause a boss to say, “You do not look busy”. Upon hearing this, the employee may interpret this to mean he/she is not working hard enough and get upset. This is a misconception of non-verbal messages.

Non-verbal cues are “those expressions of emotions and attitudes towards another person and regulating the interaction between people”(Timm p.41). Categories of non-verbal communications includes, eye movements, vocal sounds, posture, gestures, proximity, environment and facial expressions (D’Aprix 1996). Often we send non-verbal cues, which are not intended to have an effect on the listeners, however, a message is received.

Alder states, “You can’t judge a book from its cover”(Alder p.85). However, our first perception is how we see something, which is a part of non-verbal messages. At my place of business we have a client who comes into the office looking like a bag lady. When she booked a forty five thousand dollar cruise we all thought she had lost her mind. Several days later when she returned to our office and paid for her trip in full, it was discovered she is a multimillionaire and is now one of our best clients. Our initial perception of her was based solely on her appearance, which communicated a negative part of non-verbal message. Verbal and non-verbal skills are not the only way to successful communication; listening and responding also play major roles in the communication process.

Often we hear, but do not listen to someone. “The process we call hearing is a purely physical activity by which acoustic energy in the form of sound waves is changed mechanical and electrochemical energy which the brain can understand” (Timm p.248). Hearing is not the same as listening. “Furthermore, many of the most important facets of your life are greatly influenced by your skills (or lack of skill) in listening “(p.30). Unfortunately, few people are actually good at listening. Bolton states, “Researchers claim that 75 percent of oral communication is ignored, misunderstood, or quickly forgotten”(p.30). Leaders everywhere need to listen to employees and talk openly with them to have successful working relationships. (Bolton 1979).

“Listening refers to the psychological process which allows us to attach meaning to the patterns of energy we hear”(Timm p.248). Being an effective listener is a skill that can be challenging for many since there