Week 2

Learning outcomes for assignment 1 LO 2: Consider intercultural issues in their communications LO 4: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the various communicative styles LO 5: Engage in appropriate and accurate communications in diverse groups LO 6: Demonstrate familiarity with the vocabulary and techniques of inter-organisational and international communication. LO 7: Prepare communication materials that demonstrate an appreciation of language and culture for differing audiences

Starter Activity On your tables discuss:  Do you know what your name means?  What language is it from? Who chose your name? Do you know why they chose that name? Are you aware of any cultural preferences in naming?

This week’s learning outcomes Review communication theory Work towards analyzing the relationship between language and culture Consider the impact of technology on communication and business

Communication Methods On your tables list all the methods of communication you can think of that can take place between 2 people Now between more than 2

The Communication Process Basic communication process is always the same Differences in: people cultures, countries, lifestyles methods technology, face to face individual interpretation

Effective Communication Composed of three basic elements: A sender A receiver An understood message

Simple Communication Process Figure 2.1

However communication isn’t always straightforward Most communications are more complicated Messages travel through filters which can alter the way your message is understood Need to be aware of possible distortions so miscommunication can be interpreted  In pairs list what some of the filters/possible distortions through which you might communicate

A more complex Communication process

Roles in the Communication Process Senders and the receivers share equal responsibility Senders for sending a clear and concise message Receivers for receiving the message that the sender intended Use of feedback to ensure accurate message

Communication Channels in Organisations Organisations depend on teamwork Good communication builds teamwork by permitting two-way communication unifying group behavior Use both formal and informal channels

Formal Channels of Communication in Organisations Formal channels used for official information Two types Vertical channels eg company briefings between top and lowest levels often via impersonal methods less opportunity for feedback Horizontal channels eg team members sharing info people on the same level often via interpersonal methods

Informal Channels of Communication in Organisations Also known as the “grapevine” Exists in all organizations Can be both positive and negative What are some of the positive and negative aspects of the ‘grapevine’?

Forms of communication Internal communication Eg , meetings, intranet and external communication Eg social media (eg twitter), Adverts: TV, internet, s, telephone, webpage

How technology impacts on communication Working with people you haven’t so far today list all the technologies you can think of that we use to run organisations now? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Business Communication in the 21 st Century is characterised by: rapid advances in technology-based communication increased communication across language and cultural barriers increase in volume and speed of messages less face to face communication

Need for Communication Worldwide business communications forms an interlinked network of companies and organisations The global supply chain Survival and growth is made possible by complex interaction between people and between people and computers both inside companies and between different companies

Technologies impact on communication Need to balance technology with human touch Technology can enhance and create a barrier to effective communication Too much information can lead to frustration and breakdown in communication

How are your technological communication skills?  What virtual communication methods do use at work/University? What might you have to use in the future?  What are you knowledge/skills like on a scale of 1-4 for each  What will you do if you knowledge/skills are not adequate at present?

Cultural Briefing Research If you haven’t already done so start looking at what a cultural briefing is and thinking about what you should include in yours/how you will lay it out to communicate with a diverse audience etc Some starting points: profiles.html profiles.html

Suggested Reading & independent study Chapter one Beamer and Varner page Begin research into cultural and language differences between countries. Obtain a current article that looks at cultural differences/language between countries, that has a business focus.

Next Week Examine culture shock and its phases Explain benefits and difficulties teamwork and multicultural teams Review the issues of working in multi-cultural teams via technology Consider the implications for multi cultural virtual working for the assignment Begin to reflect on what some of the differences are in communication styles between cultures