Interpersonal Relations and Communications

Communication Theory Fundamental to effective management The communication process Consider: email Language differences Cultural differences

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?

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

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

Barriers to Communication Individual Conflicting signals Credibility Reluctance to comm. Poor listening skills predispositions 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 Organization Follow up Avoid overload Understand use of each media

Exercise Communication exercises