Management Chapter 17

Grapevine Chains

Gossip Chain: One person tells many. Cluster Chain: Many people tell a few.

Informal Communications

In some cases communication transcends formal channels and follows any of several informational methods. Common Forms Include: 1) The Grapevine 2) Management by Wandering Around 3) Nonverbal Communication

Written Communication

Includes memos, letters, reports, notes, and other methods in which the written word is used to transmit meaning.

Barriers to Effective Communication

Individual Barriers: - Conflicting or inconsistent signals -Credibility about the subject -Reluctance to communicate -Poor listening skills -Predisposition about the subject. Organizational Barriers: -Semantics -Status or Power Differences -Different Perceptions -Noise -Overload -Language Differences

Overcoming Barriers to Communication

Individual Skills: -Develop Good Listening Skills -Encourage two-way communication -Be aware of language and meaning -Maintain credibility -Be sensitive to receiver's and sender's perspectives. Organizational Skills: -Follow Up -Regulate Information Flows -Understand the richness of media

Types of Communication Networks

Wheel: Windmill Shape Chain: Line Sequence Y: Y Shape Circle: Pentagon Shape All Channel: Pentagon with flow from all sides.

Choosing the Right Form of Interpersonal Communication

- The situation determines the best medium - Oral Communication is better when the message is personal, nonroutine, and brief. - Written Communication is better when the message is impersonal, routine, and longer. - Managers can combine media to capitalize on the advantages of each method.

Outcomes of Interpersonal Behaviors

-Satisfaction of Social Needs -Social Support -Source of Organizational Synergy -Source of Conflict

Disadvantages of Written Communication

1) Inhibits feedback and interchange due to burden of the process of preparing a physical document. 2) Considerable delay can occur in clarifying message meanings.

Advantages of Written Communication

1) Is accurate and leaves permanent record of the exchange 2) Leaves for thought and consideration, can be referenced 3) Is easy to use and can be done with little preparation

Advantages of Oral Communication

1) Promotes prompt feedback and interchange in the form of verbal questions and responses 2) Is easy to use and can be done with little preparation.

Disadvantages of Oral Communication

1) Suffers from problems with inaccuracy in meaning and details 2) Leaves no time for thought and consideration and no permanent record of what was said.

Management by Wandering Around

An approach to communication that involves the managers literally wandering around and having spontaneous conversations with employees.

Nonverbal Communication

Any communication that does not use words or uses words to carry more meaning than the definition of the words themselves. -Images -Settings -Body Language Only a small portion of the message content is due to the words in the message, about 7% of total. Facial expression is 55%

Oral Communication

Face-to-face conversations, group discussions, telephone calls, and other situations in which the spoken work is used to express meaning.

Horizontal Communication

Flows laterally within the organization, involves colleagues and peers at the same level and may involve different organizational units. Probably occurs more among managers than among nonmanagers Facilitates coordination, helps problem solving, and plays a major role in cross-departmental work teams.

Vertical Communication

Flows up and down the organization, usually along formal reporting lines; may involve several different levels of the organization.

Formal Communications

Follow the official reporting relationships between managers and subordinates and/or prescribed channels May involve several levels of the organization.

Upward Communication

Form of vertical communication consisting of messages from subordinates to superiors * More subject to distortion than downward communication

Downward Communication

Form of vertical communication. Occurs when information flows down the hierarchy.

Vital Managerial Activities Include

Interpersonal Relations (Can be personal and impersonal, postivite and negative) Communication Group Processes

Effective Communication

Process of sending a message in such a way that the message is as close in meaning as possible to the message intended.

Communication

Process of transmitting information from one person to another.

Communication Network

The pattern through which the members of a group communicate. Various patterns exist.