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Chapter 7: Communication 158
CHAPTER OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
CHAPTER SYNOPSIS
This chapter presents the communication process and importance of choosing the right
communication channels. It then explores barriers to effective communication and suggestions for
overcoming these barriers. The chapter covers organizational communication networks and the
importance of recognizing the impact of the direction of internal communication in organizations.
Current issues in communication place emphasis on technology based methods and the importance
of social media for business. The chapter concludes with an overview of cultural issues in
communications and their importance in today’s global business world.
STUDY QUESTIONS
It is impossible to cover all the material contained in the chapter during one or two lectures. To
deal with this problem, I present my students with a list of study questions to indicate what material
they will be responsible for on exams. I tell them that they will be responsible for these, even if the
material is not covered in class. I have found that this reduces anxiety overall, and I find it helps to
make students aware that not everything in a chapter is required material. I realize instructors vary
in their approach, so this is simply my approach.
We generally use two classes for communication: one on the communication process and barriers
to effective communication and the other on organizational communication and issues in
communication. The exercise for feedback that we use is in the introductory chapter of this
instructor’s resource manual. Lecture notes for feedback are included in the supplemental material
at the end of this chapter.
Communication
I often start this class trying to get the students to think about communication difficulties they’ve
faced by asking such questions as these:
Describe an awkward communication experience you’ve had. How do you know another person is
really listening to you when you’re talking with them? Have you ever noticed difficulties when
men and women try to communicate with each other? Have you ever noticed difficulties when
people of different cultures try to communicate with each other? What gives you the most difficulty
when you’re trying to communicate with someone?
Feedback
We spend most of this class doing the group exercise on giving feedback (see introductory chapter
to this IRM). The exercise comes on the day that they are handing in their first major group
assignment, so it allows them to reflect on how they and others in their group did, and learn how to
give feedback on that.
I usually spend a few minutes at the end of the class giving tips on how to give feedback. At the
end of the exercise, I ask them to talk about what was difficult in giving feedback, what was easy,
and what they learned about themselves from the experience. Lecture notes for feedback are
included in the supplemental material at the end of this chapter.
Be sure to examine “Exploring Topics on the Web” in the supplemental section below for possible
additional ideas to cover in class or assign for homework.
Be sure to check the Supplemental Material section for additional material that can be used in class
or assigned as homework.
LECTURE OUTLINE
Communication is the transfer and understanding of a message between two or more people.
Communication is an important consideration for both individuals and organizations. People spend
nearly 70 percent of their waking hours communicating—writing, reading, speaking, listening.
Communication is the basis for workplace issues such as motivation, information sharing,
behaviour control and expression of emotions.
Encoding is putting the message into some kind of form using words.
Noise represents communication barriers that distort the clarity of the message.
Choosing a Channel
Communication apprehension or anxiety may lead some individuals to avoid direct oral channels.
• The choice of a channel depends on whether the message is routine or nonroutine. Nonroutine
messages are more effective using rich channels.
• Research indicates that managers preferred to deliver bad news (layoffs, promotion denials, and
negative feedback) via email; however, this is not recommended.
• Nonroutine messages, high in ambiguity, are most effective using rich channels.
Teaching Tip: Ask students how they would prefer to learn to be fired: via email or face-to-face.
Ask them which strategy they would most likely use if they had to fire someone. This allows you to
explore channel richness, what kinds of messages can be conveyed in each approach, ethical issues
in dealing with difficult situations, and personal feelings about communication.
Teaching Tip: This is a good time to cover the case incident Powerpoint Purgatory. Have students
discuss and make suggestions for improvement in the ”richness” of this communication channel.
Filtering
Refers to a sender manipulating information so that it will be seen more favourably by the receiver.
The more vertical layers there are, the more opportunities there are for filtering.
Selective Perception
Receivers in the communication process selectively see and hear based on their needs, motivations,
experience, background, and other personal characteristics. Receivers also project their interests
and expectations into decoding messages.
Defensiveness
When individuals interpret another’s message as threatening, they often respond in ways that
hinder effective communication.
Emotions
Extreme emotions are most likely to hinder effective communications, by disregarding rational and
objective thinking.
Information Overload
When the information we have to work with exceeds our processing capacity, the result is
information overload. The result is that we tend to select out, ignore, pass over, or forget
information. The result is lost information and less effective communication.
Language
Words mean different things to different people. Our use of language is not uniform. We modify
the language and we don’t even know it.
Age and context are two of the biggest factors that influence such differences.
Senders tend to assume that the words and terms they use mean the same to the receiver.
Silence
Silence is less likely where minority opinions are treated with respect.
Silence can be a powerful form of communication. It can mean someone is thinking, or it can mean
a person is anxious and fearful of speaking, it can also signal agreement, dissent, frustration, or
anger.
Teaching Tip: This maybe a good time to cover the Breakout Group Exercises, 1 and 2.
Lying
People are more comfortable lying over the phone and in emails than face to face.
The frequency of lying and difficulty in detecting liars makes this as especially strong barrier to
effective communication.
Organizational Communication
Direction of Communication
Downward: communication that flows from one level of a group to a lower level.
It is important for managers to explain reasons for directives, decisions, delegation, and work
orders. Explanations increase employee commitment and support of decisions.
Employees may not believe that the senior leaders are communicating honestly and openly.
Upward: Communication that flows from one level of a group to a higher level.
Provide feedback, inform of progress, and relay problems.
Copyright © 2019 Pearson Canada Inc.
Chapter 7: Communication 164
For effective upward communication reduce distractions, communicate in headlines, provide action
items and prepare an agenda to maximize attention of managers.
Lateral (or horizontal): Communication among members of the same work group, or individuals at
the same level. Often necessary to save time and to ease coordination.
Small-Group Networks
(See Exhibit 7-3 Three Common Small-Group Networks and Their Effectiveness)
Communication networks define the channels by which information flows. Two types of channels:
• The all-channel: permits all group members to communicate actively with one another.
• Informal networks: Communications that flow along social and relational lines. The most
common is the grapevine.
The Grapevine
Grapevine is the organization’s most common informal network. 75 percent of employees hear
about matters first through rumours on the grapevine.
Characteristics of grapevine:
Most employees perceive it as more believable and reliable than formal communication from top
management.
Rumours emerge as a response to situations that are important to employees, where there is
ambiguity, and under conditions that arouse anxiety.
Management can reduce the negative consequences of rumours by explaining decisions and openly
discussing worst-case possibilities.
Modes of Communication
Oral Communication
A primary means of conveying messages including speeches, formal one on-one and group
discussions, and the informal rumour mill or grapevine are popular forms of oral communication.
Copyright © 2019 Pearson Canada Inc.
Chapter 7: Communication 165
Written Communication
Includes letters, email, instant messaging, organizational periodicals, and any other method that
conveys written words or symbols.
Interestingly, research indicates that when we write by hand, the content is much more memorable
to us than when we type.
Electronic Communications
Email Benefits:
• The cost of sending email messages to employees is a fraction of the cost of printing,
duplicating, and distributing a comparable letter or brochure.
Drawbacks:
• Misinterpreting the message. Decoding intent and tone is accurately done only about 50 percent
of the time.
• Communicating negative messages. Too often negative messages are done via email as it seems
to be the “easy way out”.
• Time consuming. Less than half of all emails are actually important to the organization.
• Less than half those surveyed thought that email increased their efficiency at work.
• Privacy can be an issue and under current laws, employee information, including email, may
not be private.
Teaching Tip: This is a good opportunity to discuss problems students have encountered with
emails, difficulties in communication, and how easy/difficult it is to communicate some things via
email. You might also note that many employees are now drowning in email and those individuals
are increasingly faced with trying to figure out how to deal with the onslaught.
Instant messaging (IM) is a synchronous technology and one needs to be present to receive the
message. Responses are in real time.
Text messaging (TM) is usually done vial cellphone and can be a real-time alternative to phone
calls.
The guidelines for the business use of texting are still evolving.
Social Networking
There are professional websites that allow users to set up lists of business contacts. Some
companies have their own social networks.
To get the most out of a social networks and avoid irritating your contacts, use them for high-value
items only.
Beware of what is posted on your social networking site as the information could be accessed/used
in ways that you did not intend.
Blogs
Blogging is another new generation tool used both for business and personal communication.
Blog (or web log) is discussion or information site where people post commentary about news,
events and personal views on regular basis.
Twitter is a “micro-blog” that allows people to post short entries about any topic including work.
Teaching Tip: This maybe a good place to cover OB in Action, Using Social Media Responsively.
Teaching Tip: This could be a good opportunity to engage students in a debate over social media
through the Point/Counterpoint Exercise: Employees’ Social Media Presence Should Matter to
Managers.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication includes body movements, facial expressions, and the physical distance
between the sender and the receiver. We act out our state of being with nonverbal body language,
even if we are no aware of doing so.
• The extent to which an individual likes another and is interested in his or her views.
• The relative perceived status between the sender and the receiver.
Copyright © 2019 Pearson Canada Inc.
Chapter 7: Communication 167
• Facial expressions, along with intonations, can show arrogance, aggressiveness, fear, shyness,
and other this that would never be communicated in writing.
Physical distance (or proxemics) can send differing messages especially in cultural context. There
are “contact” and “noncontact” cultures where proxemics can lead to confusion.
Look for nonverbal cues in communication, and monitor your own body language with care.
Teaching Tip: Discussing nonverbal communication is a great opportunity for the instructor to have
some fun. Ask students to express to you nonverbally ideas like “I really agree!” or “I don’t buy
that” or “What a great person” or “What a jerk!” This exercise will be entertaining, and will
illustrate quite well the persuasiveness of nonverbal communication.
You can also have the students do the Experiential Exercise, “An Absence of Nonverbal
Communication.”
Global Implications
Words mean different things to different people, especially people from different national cultures.
Barriers are caused by word connotations. Words imply different things in different languages.
In some cultures, the tone changes depending on whether the context is formal or informal, social
situation or work.
Collectivistic cultures are more likely to acknowledge conflict only implicitly and avoid emotional
disputes.
Cultural Context
Cultures tend to differ in the degree to which context influences the meaning individuals take from
communication.
In high-context cultures people rely heavily on nonverbal and subtle situational cues. What is not
said may be more significant than what is said. Also, seniority and rank in the organization or
society carry much weight.
A Cultural Guide
We often don’t communicate well with people outside of our own culture.
Attempts to be culturally sensitive to another person are often based on stereotypes propagated by
the media.
• Foster a climate of mutual respect, fairness, and democracy – establish a climate of equality and
mutual concern.
• Learn the cultural context of each person – be careful not to categorize by culture of origin.
• State facts, not your interpretation – let the other person interpret their culture to you.
• Consider the other person’s viewpoint – put yourself in the recipient’s shoes.
Teaching Tip: Since many of us teach in multicultural classrooms, this is a good opportunity to ask
for specific examples of communication difficulties that students have encountered. This can be
followed by a discussion of possible resolutions and recommendations.
Summary
You have probably discovered the link between communication and employee satisfaction in this
chapter: the less uncertainty, the greater the satisfaction. Distortions, ambiguities, and incongruities
between verbal and nonverbal messages all increase uncertainty and reduce effective
communication
OB AT WORK
For Review
(Note to instructors: The answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
1. What are the key parts of the communication process, and how do you distinguish formal from
informal communication?
The communication process relays a message from a sender, by way of some channel, to a receiver
who decodes the message and provides/asks for feedback if necessary.
For example, when a boss speaks to a subordinate, the message is the words; they are carried
through the air from the boss (the sender) to the employee (the receiver). The employee decodes
the message by listening to what is said and attempting to understand its contents. The same would
hold with a written e-mail from a boss to an employee. The boss chooses the e-mail channel, writes
the message, and hits the send button. The employee reads the message and (hopefully)
understands it. An important point here is to stress that communication has not occurred until the
receiver has accurately decoded the message.
Channels differ in their capacity to convey information. Some are rich in that they have the ability
to handle multiple cues simultaneously, facilitate rapid feedback and be very personal. The amount
of information transmitted often depends on the channel richness. Some channels offer multiple
information cues, immediate feedback and the personal touch. Face-to-face conversations offer the
highest level of channel richness and memos and letters the lowest level.
Filtering – occurs when a sender manipulates information so that the receiver will view it more
favourably.
Selective perception – receivers in the communication process selectively see and hear in the
message that which meets their needs, motivations, experiences, background, and other personal
characteristics.
Emotions – we tend to interpret the same message differently depending on the emotional state.
Extreme emotions are most likely to hinder effective communication.
Information overload – when the information we have exceeds out ability to process it, the result is
we tend to select out, ignore, pass over, or forget the content.
Language – words mean different things to different people and often things such as “corporate
lingo” may confuse the communicated message.
Nonverbal communication – includes body movements, facial expressions, and the physical
distance between the sender and receiver. Body language adds to and often complicates verbal
communication.
Lying – outright misrepresentation of information. People are more comfortable lying over the
phone or in emails than face to face. Difficulty in detecting liars makes this an especially strong
barrier to effective communication.
4. What are the differences among downward, upward, and lateral communication?
Downward communication flows from one level of a group or organization to a lower level. Group
leaders and managers use this approach to assign goals, provide job instructions, inform employees
of policies and procedures, identify problems that needs attention, and offer feedback about
performance. Upward communication is used to provide feedback to high ups, inform them of
progress toward goals, and relay current problems. Upward communication keeps managers aware
of how emplo0yees feel about their jobs, co-workers, and the organization. Lateral communication
occurs among members of the same work group, or employees at the same level. Often these are
informally created to short-circuit the vertical hierarchy and speed up action. However, lateral
communication can create dysfunctional conflicts when the formal vertical channels are breached.
5. What are the differences between formal small-group networks and the grapevine?
The formal small-group networks are considered to be formal communication channels and each is
effective in certain situations. Exhibit 7-3 shows three small-group networks, the Chain, the Wheel,
and the All-Channel. The chain is best if accuracy is important, the wheel facilitates the emergence
of a leader, and the all-channel network is best if the concern is with high member satisfaction.
Grapevine, on the other hand, is an informal network that has no hierarchy or identifiable form.
Grapevine is not controlled by management, most employees perceive it as more believable than
formal communication, and it is largely used to serve the interest of the people within it, not the
organization. The grapevine serves employees’ needs, and should be understood by management as
an important part of any organization’s communication network.
A primary means of conveying messages is oral communication. Speeches, formal one on-one and
group discussions, and the rumour mill or grapevine are popular forms of oral communication.
Copyright © 2019 Pearson Canada Inc.
Chapter 7: Communication 171
The advantages of oral communication are speed, feedback, and exchange. We can convey a verbal
message and receive a response in minimal time.
7. What potential problems underlie cross-cultural communication? How can they be overcome?
Researchers have identified four specific problems related to language difficulties in cross-cultural
communication: barriers caused by semantics, barriers caused by word connotations, barriers
caused by tone differences and differences in tolerance for conflict and methods for resolving
conflicts.
Another set of problems can be caused by the degree to which context influences the meaning
individuals take from communication. This involves the differences between high-context cultures,
like China and Saudi Arabia, and low-context cultures, such as Europe and North America. In
high-context cultures people rely heavily on nonverbal and subtle situational cues when
communicating.
In low-context cultures people rely on words to convey meaning. Oral agreements imply strong
commitments in high-context cultures, as do age, seniority and rank in the organizations. In low-
context cultures enforceable contrast will tend to be in writing.
To overcome these problems one should follow the following suggestions: know your own cultural
identity, foster a climate of mutual respect, fairness and democracy, learn the cultural contest of the
other person, state facts, not your interpretation of them, consider the other person’s viewpoint and
proactively maintain identity of the group in question.
POINT/COUNTERPOINT
Summary:
The prevalence of employees using social media websites today is growing exponentially. The
issue of social media usefulness is two sided with viewpoints from the idea of social media as a
personal interest activity of an employee, and the other side as a business and marketing tool for
the organization. The question is how to balance the two issues, or, indeed, can they be reconciled
as legitimate business communication.
Point:
Business is “social” since it can be argued that social contacts are a common way to increase
business. Employees can be viewed as key marketing representatives of an organization through
their involvement with social media and thus can have a positive effect on the bottom line. In
addition, organizations these days are turning to social media to screen suitable job candidates or
make critical decisions on retention of current employees. Businesses may already be monitoring
employees’ social media positing to safeguard proprietary information or company reputation.
Counterpoint:
There is little to be gained and much to be lost if organizations are allowed to monitor employees’
activities on social media. Many would consider this a gross intrusion on privacy. There is also the
danger of information garnered from social media websites being misinterpreted. Social media
should be considered a private recreational venue and it would be unethical for managers to
monitor either current or potential employees’ activities. Using social media as a marketing tool
can also be viewed as unethical and it would be an unreasonable expectation to have employees
endorse the company outside of their working hours.
Analysis:
Social networks can be risky for both the organization as well as potential and current employees.
The primary purpose of social networks was and is to connect friends. When employers snoop into
an employee’s social media profile, they won’t judge the information as a friend but as a potential
business tool. Whether that tool is to evaluate the employee as a person or to assess the person’s
potential as a marketing tool the question remains whether this is ethical practice. Social media will
not go away and the debate about how it should or should not be used in relation of workplaces is
not yet clear.
Class Exercise:
Divide the class into teams (ideally two teams; for large classes four or six).
Assign each team to either the Point or the CounterPoint view to discuss. Have each team develop
points of support for their view. Representatives from each group can be asked to debate their
views before the class. Ask the class to vote on the view that was most successfully supported.
(Note to instructors: The answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
What differences have you observed in the ways that men and women communicate?
Encourage students to talk about differences that they have experienced. This can often be
enlightening, but each gender is often not aware of some of the habits that lead to confusion.
How do you know when a person is listening to you? When someone is ignoring you?
In North America we expect eye contact and nods of affirmation to indicate listening. We also
expect questions or feedback. Consequently, when eye contact is not made, the immediate thought
is that one is being ignored. There are a variety of other nonverbal signals that may signal ignoring
someone, e.g., erasing one’s underlinings in an article when an instructor is lecturing.
After students have described some of their own experiences, you might point out that some of our
differences are cultural. In a high power distance society, making eye contact might not be
appropriate.
Describe a situation in which you ignored someone. What impact did it have on that person’s
subsequent communication behaviours?
The answers here are from students own personal situations. Use this discussion to illustrate to
students that their behaviour often gets reflected back to them in unintended ways.
EXPERIENTIAL EXERCISE
This enlightening exercise has students engage in a debate using only verbal communication. All
nonverbal communication such as gestures, facial movements, and body movements are prohibited.
The purpose of the exercise is to show students how much we depend on nonverbal
communication. Students find it is exceptionally hard to NOT communicate nonverbally.
ETHICAL DILEMMA
Summary
Increasingly organizations are embracing BYOD or “bring your own device” rather that the
traditional organization supplied mobile device. This trend acknowledges the increasing blend of
personal and professional communications. Rather than carry two devices, employees generally
prefer to carry one. There are implications to this policy especially in light of the ever changing
mobile communications landscape, especially ethical ones such as:
• Did you know your employer can wipe your personal devices clean? Remotely? With no
warning?
• Is your device part of your employment contract, either explicitly or by understanding? If so,
who pays for the device?
• Once you use your personal device for work, where are the boundaries between work and home
life?
Given these possibilities, a dilemma for employees is whether to acknowledge they own a smart
device, and whether to offer its use for their employer’s convenience.
Questions
(Note to instructors: The answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
Do you use your smartphone or other personal devices for work? If so, do you think this adds to
your stress level or helps you by providing convenience?
Students may reflect on their need for social connection versus the need to use a device for work.
Copyright © 2019 Pearson Canada Inc.
Chapter 7: Communication 174
Cocalis likes the two-phone lifestyle and says his boss has his personal phone number only for
emergencies. But assistant talent manager Chloe Ifshin reports it doesn’t work so well in practice.
“I have friends who are clients and clients who are friends,” she says, so work contacts end up on
her personal phone and friends call her work phone. How does this consideration affect your
thinking about BYOD?
Student need for social connection and the inconvenience of carrying two devices may be
discussed. Students may not appreciate the separation between work and non-work. Texting their
boss may be a student expectation.
Organizations are taking steps to protect themselves from what employees might be doing on their
BYOD devices through allowing only approved computer programs and stricter policies, but no
federal regulations protect employees from these. What ethical initiatives might organizations
adopt to make this situation fair for everyone?
In order for organizations to protect themselves they may encroach on otherwise personal
activities. In A BYOD environment am employee texting for otherwise shady dealings could be
done on company time and with a company funded asset so the company cold be liable.
Protections could require limited usage policies which can minimize the benefits of BYOD.
CASE INCIDENT
Summary
Social media has transformed the way we interact yet very few organizations fully understand how
to use social media platforms effectively. Some experts say that social media tools improve
productivity, allow companies to discover emerging trends and issues worldwide and establishing
ones brand by using social media as a marketing tool. Despite potential advantages, there are also
significant drawbacks to social media. It is very difficult to control social media communications,
important intellectual capital might leak out and there is a danger of negative messages sent out
about the organization.
Questions
(Note to instructors: The answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
Do you think organizations need to have a social media presence today? Are the drawbacks
sufficient to make you think it’s better for them to avoid certain media?
The students’ answers to this question will depend on their personal viewpoint. In general, most
students will see the social networks as indispensable to personal communication. They will likely
believe that the social network used by corporations is an intrusion on what students believe is their
world. But those with a desire to ensure that company messages are transmitted to a primary
audience will likely see the use as an effective and efficient tool to reach specific audiences.
What features would you look for in a social media outlet? What types of information would you
avoid making part of your social media strategy?
Copyright © 2019 Pearson Canada Inc.
Chapter 7: Communication 175
The students will likely say the selected social network tool should allow targeting participants
with specific interests in the company’s topics. The understanding that should be ensured among all
employees is that no gossip or unsupported information is posted. As for the networks that allow
postings from anyone, the company should have employees assigned to monitor and respond
immediately to posts, negative or positive, to ensure that questions and concerns are not allowed to
fester.
What do you think is the future direction of social media? How might emerging technologies
change them?
This question will elicit various opinions from students. If they are familiar with emerging
technologies, they may have some specific ideas about what might reduce or replace some current
social networks as communication linkages.
Sources: S. Dutta, “What’s Your Personal Social Media Strategy,” Harvard Business Review
(November 2010), pp. 127–130; and G. Connors, “10 Social Media Commandments for
Employers,” Workforce Management Online (February 2010), www.workforce.com
CASE INCIDENT
PowerPoint Purgatory
Summary
Successful talks are about a story and an interaction. Yet more and more presenters rely on
technology even though there are many presentation techniques, not necessarily technologies, that
are more appropriate in many situations. Presenters take the easy way out because they know how,
or think they do know how to use this software efficiently. Bombarding audiences with stark
phrases is one possible pitfall. Overdesign of presentation is another where the design overwhelms
the message. Coming back to the story, experts suggest fewer visual aids and more live interaction
with the audience. High tech does not guarantee better storytelling and better presentation.
Questions
(Note to instructors: The answers here are starting points for discussion, not absolutes!)
What are some of the ways people misuse PowerPoint? What are the potential consequences?
Student responses will vary. Most common misuses relate to preparation and lack to familiarity
with PowerPoint as a tool: too much text on each slide, using different fonts/visual on each slide,
text too small for everyone to see in a large room. Other cons: moving too fast from slide to slide,
relying on the slides without adding any verbal explanation, reading each slide in verbatim, looking
at slides not the audience.
Have you used PowerPoint in your school projects or at work? In what presentations did you find
PowerPoint most effective in communicating your message? In what presentations did PowerPoint
hinder your successful communication?
List the pros and cons you see for managers avoiding PowerPoint as a mode of communication.
Have students discuss both sides in groups. Or, alternatively divide the class into two groups where
one group will discuss the pros and the other group the cons.
Cons often relate to unfamiliarity with the software and therefore not being able to use it to its
potential as a communication tool.
Effective Listening
Practising Skills
The suggested activity encourages students to engage in active listening. By being forced to
paraphrase before responding in a debate, students are encouraged to listen, rather than simply
prepare their next statement. Ask them how difficult they found listening and then ask them if once
they became more comfortable with listening whether listening actually helped them get their
points across better.
Reinforcing Skills
The purpose of this exercise is to encourage students to apply material from the chapter in various
ways. The suggested activities encourage students to engage in active listening while carrying out
regular daily routines. In the first situation, students practise active listening in the classroom to
determine if this helps them understand material better (it should!). In the second activity, students
are encouraged to try to understand the other person, rather than just trying to make their own
points.
KEY TERMS
Channel richness - The amount of information that can be transmitted during a communication
episode.
Communication apprehension - Undue tension and anxiety about oral communication, written
communication, or both.
Filtering - A sender’s manipulation of information so that it will be seen more favourably by the
receiver.
Formal communication networks - Task-related communications that follow the authority chain.
High-context cultures - Cultures that rely heavily on nonverbal and subtle situational cues in
communication.
Informal channels - Communication channels that are created spontaneously and that emerge as
responses to individual choices.
Informal communication networks - Communications that flow along social and relational lines.
Information overload - The state of having more information than one can process.
Low-context cultures - Cultures that rely heavily on words to convey meaning in communication.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
NOTE: You may need to copy/paste the following hyperlinks into your Web browser.
Listening requires more than a physical presence—it requires a mental presence too! Learn more
about how to develop your skills as an empathetic listener by searching for developing your
empathetic listening skills on www.youtube.com.
Write a short journal entry describing how you plan to further develop one technique shown in the
video.
Are there dos and don’ts for email? Learn more by doing a search on “netiquette” which are the
courtesy guidelines of email. Print one of the better pages and bring to class along with an email
you have sent or received recently. Take off the names of the parties in the email. In class, we will
edit these emails for breeches of netiquette guidelines.
Assign students to find articles on open book management on internet and select one article they
feel addresses the issue clearly and concisely. Students should bring the articles to class (either
hardcopy or an electronic copy on their tablet or laptop).
Break the students into small groups and ask them to do the following:
Select one of the articles that students have brought and read as a team.
Once they have read the article, determine the method used by management to communicate the
open book philosophy or process used. (If there is not one in the article, ask the student’s to
develop one.)
What results were achieved as described in the article? What elements of the communication
process helped or hindered these results.
What negatives occurred (if any) or what negatives might happen in the future and how might they
be prevented?
What conclusions can the students make concerning communication and open book management
after looking at these companies?
LECTURETTE
Giving Feedback
For many, providing performance feedback to employees is unpleasant and likely to be ignored.
First, managers are often uncomfortable discussing performance weaknesses directly with
employees. Managers fear a confrontation when presenting negative feedback.
Second, many employees tend to become defensive when their weaknesses are pointed out. Instead
of accepting the feedback as constructive and a basis for improving performance, some employees
challenge the evaluation by criticizing the manager or redirecting blame.
Teaching Tip: Ask students how they would prefer to get feedback about their performance. They
can also provide examples of ineffective feedback they have received.
Finally, employees tend to have an inflated assessment of their own performance. Statistically, half
of all employees must be below-average performers. The average employee’s estimate of his/her
own performance level generally falls around the 75th percentile.
The solution—train managers how to conduct constructive feedback sessions.
Tell individuals specifically what they did right or wrong, rather than just giving a general
assessment. This lets individuals know why you’re being critical or complimentary.
• Keep it impersonal
• Keep it goal-oriented
Feedback is not intended to dump or unload on another person. When giving feedback, give it in
terms of the person’s goals, rather than just wanting to get something off your chest.
• Make it well-timed
It is best to give feedback reasonably close to when the behaviour occurred (positive or negative).
Negative feedback should be directed over things the recipient can control. Criticizing someone for
being late because there was a major traffic accident on the way to work is not helpful. The person
has no control over this.
When giving negative feedback, it’s best to also give solutions for the problem being discussed.
Consider the person’s past behaviour and future potential. A high performer who has made a
random mistake may be demoralized by constant, petty feedback. For poor performers, frequent
feedback makes sense to help them get on track.
THE CARRIAGE.
For the purpose of description, the carriage is considered as
composed of the following groups: Sleigh (including recoil
mechanism), cradle, trail, traveling lock, elevating mechanism,
traversing mechanism, wheels, road brake, and shield.
The sleigh contains the recoil and counter-recoil mechanism and
serves as a support for the howitzer, being secured to it by the
breech key and the holding-down band. The recoil counter-recoil
cylinders, and two air cylinders are bored in the sleigh and form the
recoil mechanism. The ends of the recoil and counter-recoil cylinders
are attached to the cradle and when the howitzer is fired the sleigh
and howitzer recoil, sliding on the cradle sides.
The holding down band is anchored on either side to the front
band clips, which are secured to the sleigh. Grooves are cut
underneath the two top edges of the sleigh, and are lined with
bronze liners, known as sleigh slides. These liners slide on the
cradle clips and guide the howitzer during recoil. Five longitudinal
cylinders are bored in the sleigh, the two upper cylinders running
about one-third the length of the sleigh, forming air tanks and are
closed at the front end by the air tank heads. The left air tank head is
provided with an opening in which the gage-cock body is assembled.
A pressure gage may be assembled through an adapter to this gage-
cock for ascertaining the pressure in the counter recoil system. The
gage-cock is also provided with a pointer which registers the quantity
of liquid in the system on a scale provided on the air tank head. The
two lower cylinders extending the full length of the sleigh, form
a housing for the recoil mechanism, the right cylinder being the
counter-recoil cylinder and the left the recoil cylinder. The small
equalizing cylinder in the center of the sleigh, extending only a short
distance, is closed at the front end with the filling valve, through
which air or liquid is introduced into the system.
The body of the sight is rotated by the leveling worm engaging the
worm segment cut on the under side of the body. The outer end of
the worm is provided with a knurled hand wheel by means of which
the leveling mechanism is operated. The leveling stop, secured to
bracket, engages slot in the body, thus limiting the angular motion of
the body in either direction. The rear end of the cylindrical part of the
bracket is split and provided with a leveling clamp by means of which
the body may be locked in position after it has been leveled.
The cross level is located on the rear edge of the sight shank and
serves the gunner in determining the level position of the instrument.
The level vial is a glass tube, closed at both ends, and partially filled
with a liquid consisting of 4 per cent alcohol and 60 per cent ether, a
small bubble remaining in the tube. Graduations are etched on the
circumference of the tube to indicate the central position of the
bubble. The vial is held in a level-vial tube, the ends being wrapped
in paper and set in plaster of paris. The knurled cross-level cover fits
over the holder and, together with the level-vial tube, are held in
place by the cross-level caps, which close the ends of the holder.
When closed, the cover serves as a protection for the vial.
The elevating mechanism consists principally of a sight shank,
elevating worm wheel, antibacklash pinion, elevating worm, elevating
worm eccentric, elevating scale drum, and scale drum housing.
EXPLOSIVES.
As a matter of practical interest, explosives may be divided into
three classes, namely:
(1) Progressive or propelling explosives called low explosives.
(2) Detonating or disruptive explosives, termed high
explosives.
(3) Detonators or exploders, known as fulminates.
The first includes all classes of gun powders used in firearms of all
kinds; the second, explosives used in shell, torpedoes, and for
demolitions; the third, those explosives used to originate explosive
reactions in the two first classes. Corresponding names are given to
the phenomena characteristic of each class of explosives, (1)
explosions proper, of low order, progressive, or combustions, (2)
detonations, of high order, (3) fulminations, this last possessing
exceptional brusqueness.
The explosion of low order is marked by more or less progression;
the time element is involved as a controlling factor, the time required
to complete the explosive reaction being large compared with that of
the other forms of explosion.
The second class of explosion is of a different nature. The
explosive reaction is not limited or confined to the surfaces exposed
but appears to progress in all directions throughout the mass radially
from the point of initial explosion. It has been determined
experimentally that the velocity of propagation of the explosive wave
throughout a mass of guncotton is from 17,000 to 21,000 feet per
second.
Fulmination is a class of explosion still more brusque than the last.
The abruptness of their explosion and the consequent sharpness of
the blow and the concentration of heat on the point of ignition
constituting their efficiency as originators of explosions of the first
two classes.
Methods of Exploding. Explosives may be exploded by three
methods; in reality but two, by heat and by application of energy as
by a blow. The heat may be applied directly by friction, by electricity
and detonating cap, these two methods of applying the heat giving
rise to the three practical methods above mentioned. As it is not
practical to apply heat directly to the charge, small charges of special
explosives are made up into primers and these are exploded in one
of the ways above mentioned and so communicate the explosion to
the main charge. Fulminate of mercury is one of the high explosives
fulfilling the requirements and it is readily exploded by any one of the
methods mentioned. It is used in all detonating caps. Primers for
cannon also contain an additional charge of black powder to
increase the flame. For this purpose also igniting charges of black
powder are attached to the smokeless powder charges for the larger
calibers.
Uses. The chief use of low or progressive explosives is as a
propelling charge in guns and for blasting where it is desired to exert
a pushing effect rather than a blow. High explosives are used when it
is desired to exert a high pressure and shatter the container, as in a
shell, mine, etc. This class is not satisfactory as a propelling charge
for the reason that its rapidity of action is so great that the pressure
exerted would burst the gun before the projectile could start. Low
explosives are not satisfactory shell fillers for the reason that their
action is so low that the shell would break at its weakest point before
all the explosives had exploded and what remained would be
wasted. With a high explosive, all or most of the charge explodes
before the shell can break up. The greater the rapidity of action of an
explosive the finer the fragmentation of the projectile. With too rapid
action the pieces are too small; with too slow action they are too
large. Experience teaches the proper rapidity of action to attain the
fragmentation most efficient against animate and material targets.