Interpersonal Relations and Communications 1 1 Communication Theory

Interpersonal Relations and Communications 1 -1

Communication Theory ● Fundamental to effective management ● The communication process Consider: • email • Language differences • Cultural differences 1 -2

Types of Communication ● Oral – Uses the spoken word ● Written ● Verbal/non-verbal – Images, settings, body language ● Organizational communication – Vertical – Horizontal ● Which is the strongest? ● Are there language or cultural issues? 1 -3

Technology and Communication ● Many companies have a CIO ● Technology allows you to have a virtual office – But miss out on advantages of real office – Can add to stress ● Be careful – Be appropriate – What you do is not private – Would you want to see the email on a bulletin board? ● Klinger’s Half-life Theory of Communications – The quality of a relationship falls by half over a three month period without face-to-face contact 1 -4

Informal Communication Practical ● Grapevine – Effective – Can not control ● Management by walking (wandering) around – MBWA 1 -5

Barriers to Communication ● Individual – Conflicting signals – Credibility – Reluctance to comm. – Poor listening skills – predispositions 1 -6 ● Organizational – Semantics – Status or power diff. – Different perceptions – Noise – Overload – Language

Overcoming Barriers ● Individual – Good listening skills – 2 -way communic. – Be aware of lang. – Be credible – Be sensitive to other’s persepective – Use active listening 1 -7 ● Organization – Follow up – Avoid overload – Understand use of each media

Exercise ● Communication exercises 1 -8