Organizational CommunicationThe most challenging task for managers

Organizational Communication Studies show that managers spend over

70% of their time communicating If this is so, why do most managers identify

communications as their #1 challenge? There is a big difference between doing it,

and doing it well

Organizational Communication

Organizational Communication: Focuses on getting work done and meeting

organizational goals Focuses on change and adaptation Focuses on social aspects and motivation of

individuals

Organizational Communication

Six Opportunities for Miscommunication Role of the communicator Variables: language, symbols, word usage Channel used Content Characteristics of the sender and receiver Context

Organizational Communication

Do you hear what I’m saying? Use of multiple techniques, leads to

interference and misinterpretations Influence tactics might affect what you hear Symbols can interfere with what you hear Nonverbal factors can interfere with what you

hear

Organizational CommunicationBarriers to effective communications:

If HP only knew what HP knows, John Doyle, former head of HP labs

Ineffective communication skills Negative attitude towards the situation Information overload Inconsistency with our frame of reference Credibility of source Physical location Distractions Defensiveness

Personal CommunicationsWhy focus on improving communications skills? Employers list communication skills as a basic

requirement and a primary flaw in candidates Are you comfortable with your ability to

communicate orally and in writing? Do you know how to listen and if not, is this a

problem? Do you know how to give and receive effective

feedback?