Communication Issues At Work Place

Outline of discussion

MGT500

 Introduction

Oral communication: spoken words, face-to-face, interpersonal communication

Visual communication: visual aid, graphics, video, drawing, signs

Nonverbal communication: gestures, body language, facial expression, posture,

tone, 7%-38%-55% rule (Words-Tone-Body Language)

Written communication: letters, memos, emails

Communication Barriers and issues

Issue: Semantic Problems
Reasons: unclear message, mixed signals, mixed body language
What are some other reasons?
Impact: misunderstanding, loss of productivity and time, confusion
Improvements: Use concise and clear message, understand that people interpret
things differently, clarify
What else can be done to improve Semantic problems in communication?
Provide examples.
Issue: Physical Distractions
Reasons: unplanned meeting or call, unclear objective, uncomfortable
environment, lack of interest
Impact: unable to reach an agreement or conclusion
What are some other impacts?
Improvements: practice five Ss, practice active listening, plan ahead, find a
place that is comfortable and with minimum distractions, turn off or vibrate cell
phone
Provide examples.
Issue: Cultural differences
Reasons: unable to understand other cultures, ethnocentrism, unable to realize
differences, unwillingness to try to understand other cultures, language difference,
use of local phrases
Impact: Misunderstandings, loss of business or partnership
What are some other impacts of cultural differences in communication?
Improvements: Realize that other cultures are different and people think
differently, attend other cultural events, travel outside USA, delay judgment and
emphasize description, practice empathy and try to put yourself in others shoes
What else can be done to improve communication?
Provide examples.
Issue: Absence of feedback and lack of personal contact
Reasons: one-way communication, emails, cheap and fast

MGT500

Impact: poor communication, wasted resources, misunderstanding, delay in

response
Improvement: Use two-way communication (Phone call or preferably face to
face
Provide examples.
Issue: Poor Communication during tough times
Reason: Its easier to be open when news is good, Lack of empathy and
compassion towards employees and customers
What are some other reasons for poor communication during tough times?
Impact: Increase in employee anxiety, decline in trust, rumors fly, productivity
goes down, uncertainty looms
Improvement: Be honest, demonstrate leadership, declare strategies and plans for
future, be accessible and visible, increase motivation, appreciate hard work
Provide examples.
Issue: Status Effect
Reason: managers are inclined on telling, but so much on listening, employee
fear retribution for bringing bad news, unwillingness to identify personal mistake,
try to please manager
Impact: managers end up making poor decisions because of biased or inaccurate
information
Improvement: practice management by wandering around (getting out of the
office and meeting employees), use face-to-face communication, talk regularly to
employees, create an atmosphere of open and free-flowing communication
Provide examples.
Any other communication issues at work place?

MGT500