Management Communication Issues - Assignment Example

Management Communication Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Management Communication B1: On July 12, 2016, Rachel Maddow of MSNBC comments that “Donald Trump’s pick of Scott Pruitt to lead the Environment Protection Authority is a led down as the former fights both climate science and environmental regulations”. I think Rachel used her point of view to remind viewers of the previous experiences of Scott as unsuitable for the new position. Although she could be biased given her overt interpretation and self-expression, she seeks to inform the mass audience. However, I believe I could take a neutral stand to frame my discussion on this issue. I think use of point of view by Rachel is meant to bring in a perspective influence in communication and improve it. Although the presenter let emotions and feelings to influence her readiness to communicate, it moves the audience and can change their actions and movements. B2: A persuasive speech is one that the communicator attempts to understand interests, beliefs and attitudes of the listeners. On the other hand, an informative speech is one where information is meant for the audience to understand. For example, someone selling shoes will attempt to use a persuasive speech to win a customer to buy his or her merchandize. I believe that the intention of the speech maker is to change interests and attitudes of the shoppers towards certain brands of shoes. Conversely, I think a presenter on the effects of smoking on health will use informative speech to bring in new knowledge and understanding on health complications as a result chain smoking. I believe persuasive speeches create emotional appeal where audience is able to see a solution to the problem and achieve a defined outcome. I now believe that persuasive communication is a two-way process that allows the speaker to communicate a message that will convince the recipient to change habits and attitudes. B3: CNN and MSNBC are two American television stations that broadcast to similar viewers. CNN’s ‘Erin Burnett Outfront’ presents a unique style that is confident, smart and casual visuals to provide an informative and in-depth speech. Conversely, MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ features a bench of high-profile politicians and top newsmakers to provide in-depth analysis of debates and news. I think the two programs attempt to inform the viewers and change their point of view on certain matters as well. I have learned that two television channels can have different approach to speaking to the audience given their uniqueness in presenting visual images. I know that people tend to read a lot from images than words. It shows that one station can be bold and aggressive in the use of images to inform while others can use more convincing video clips to persuade viewers to change their perception towards people and issues. B4: The website www.chasingthedonkey.com provides an informative piece on how to choose the best travel shoes. I think the site informs readers to understand their needs, and to get to know the type of shoes in the market and their prices. I believe the most exciting part of this presentation was the use of pictorials where the audience will know the type of shoe visually and get to compare with other brands. However, I would improve this site by providing video clips of shoe fitters and the occasions they prefer for the shoes for viewers to have more aesthetic appeal of the product. I have learned that companies can exploit visuals and other forms of ads to reach customers and can as well receive comments using social media tools loaded on the sites. I think marketing communication department in companies are interested in capturing knowledge needs of customers and will make attempts to communicate their brands and proposition statements through pictures and texts in the sites. When the motive is to inform the audience, it becomes easier to create a target customer segment since the words, language and tone is customized to this group. B5: Gatorade is a soft drink that appeals to people of diverse demographics. In a two-minute speech, I would start by addressing the product features and key elements because buyers find this very important. Secondly, I will provide the prices of the different Gatorade brands and why it is preferable against competitors. Thirdly, I will provide information on where the product can be found and various channels of distribution to the consumer. Fourthly, I will come up with various advertisement modes to suits the product. Finally, I will outline the target market demographics, their interests and attitudes towards soft drinks. I believe that communicating the brand to a certain target market requires one to understand issues regarding the marketing mix such as product, price, promotion and distribution. I think the marketer can understand the needs of customers by adjusting each of these elements and gauging their uptake by customers. I learned that creating a short speech demands that one understands facts about the product, price and where it can be found. B6: Women have been alienated from boards of management for over a long time. Although many companies have incorporated women to their boards, their ratio is still low. I think affirmative action is necessary in this case as shareholders consider the strength of female credentials and qualifications. I believe that organizations should change their approach to diversity and inclusion and ensure that people are allowed to contribute their skills and talents regardless of race, gender and age. I learned that affirmative action is necessary where one group, in the minority, if often alienated and not considered for opportunities seen as mainstream. I think that women concerns and issues have been in the limelight for over a long time but have received minimal attention. I feel that women should be incorporated into the management boards because they have useful input and effort to offer that can change the performance of a company. I think firms need to embrace diversity and inclusion in their human resource activities if they intend to become international companies with global outlook. B7: Yes, I think the principle of consensus often work especially with regard to purchase of high involvement items. For example, if I need to buy a television set, I would have to consult with my family members, workmates or friends to arrive at a decision. I am vulnerable to this kind of persuasion because they form special interest groups that may already be in ownership of the item or keep talking about it. I think consensus works because people would not want to regret their decisions once told that they could have sought third party opinions. I learned that people always seek consensus especially from family members and not necessary the marketer. It is possible that the family becomes a strong persuasion unit that changes the perceptions and decisions of an individual in purchasing a certain product. In purchasing high involvement products, I learned that family, friends and workmates can persuade one to buy or avoid a product based on their own knowledge or previous experiences. Now, with consensus it is possible to obtain first person reports or testimonials one how a purchase decision created satisfaction or dissatisfaction. I understand that when someone lacks adequate information, they are likely to make mistakes in purchase that will cost a fortune. This means that peers and the lead of group will leverage testimonials to persuade an individual to make a purchase. B8: A commercial on benefits of a massage in a relaxation parlor is the least of the services I would buy. The ad calls to action viewers to consider massage as a form of relieving body pain, stress and discomfort using natural stones and herbs. However, it does not convince them from associating with people with loose morals and prostitution. While it increases consideration for people to take relaxation as part of exercise, it fails to stimulate the thought that it negates morality and ethics of individuals. I would increase the persuasive appeal by linking it with science and demonstrating that it provides therapeutic effects to users. I learned that persuasion follows actions and activities considered as moral and ethical in some communities and cultures. I think that some services can be taken as ‘commonplace’ in many free societies that considers individual liberties as very important. In that case, ads can be used to market services that some cultures would not call to action. I now understand why some services fail to stimulate thought, call to action and increase persuasiveness. I think that most of the events can have a persuasive appeal when linked with ethical and moral consideration in a religious context. B9: I think discontinuance is more difficult to control compared to deterrence. While discontinuance persuades users to stop using a product, deterrence challenges users from ever attempting to try a new product. For example, it would be difficult to persuade chain smokers from consuming three packets of cigarettes but it is much easier to persuade teenagers who have never smoked not to try drugs and alcohol. With deterrence, people are able to make choices and change their attitudes when it is still people. On the contrary, discontinuance poses a challenge of changing already entrenched habits which may be difficult to rid off. I learned that it is easier to correct some habits that have not been identified with an individual that actually stopping what has just started. I think that deterrence is quite costly as people tend to spend much time and resources taking deviant members to rehabilitation centers than could have actually prevented the habit from developing in the first place. I feel that there is need for people to consult and seek mentorship on certain habits and practices that have long-lasting effects on individuals. B10: The base of Maslow’s pyramid of human needs is the physiological needs such as food, shelter, education and to the apex as aesthetic needs. I now feel that I am in the third tier of ‘sense of love and belonging’ in that I prefer being with friends and family all the time. I think communication is important at this level where I tend to envy teamwork and being in a social group that offer conducive learning and safe environment to share ideas, challenges and successes. Three years ago, I was struggling to place my well-being and safety first of which they no longer matter today. For example, I could care over my health by taking health insurance cover. In the future, I would want to raise my self-esteem by bringing up a model family worthy of respect and honor. I would like to be recognized and appreciated for the role of excellent parenthood and mentorship. I learned that needs at the base of the pyramid have to be fulfilled first before those up the pyramid are met. I feel that my needs and wants have changed with time because those that was significant three years ago are not ‘normal’ and I desire to meet high-level needs up the pyramid. I understand that human needs are insatiable but many people would strive to achieve high-level needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization because it is there that they find peace and recognition in life. B11: Persuasion can be ethical where values are respected and obeyed. On the other hand, persuasion especially of ad companies to sell a product at the expense of the consumer’s ethical consideration may remain a fallacy. I think persuasion sometimes fails to meet the ethical threshold where firms are only interested in making sales. For example, a cosmetic brand that purports to create skin lightening effects on women and instead manipulates light when casting their models is deceptive and disrespectful to the audience. I believe advertisers should not only consider the age, psychographic interests and income of the target audience but also present a realistic product that meets their needs. Therefore, I believe persuasion is not ethical in most of the circumstances when mass audiences are the target. I think ad companies are allowed in law to communicate brands and messages to customers but should have ethical considerations. I learned that firms looking for quick wins can deceive customers for their own gain by using ad stunts and light manipulation to bring the desired effects especially with regard to makeup. I think ads should speak the truth and tell its audience and target group that the products they are advertising are potential to bring the desired effect that they proclaim to create. B12: Elevator pitch Caller: Good morning? Recipient: Good morning to you, how can I help you? Caller: Happy to meet you. I am Kelly, working for Oshals cosmetics. We recently launched a new body lotion based natural herbs and scent. I invite you to try it. It has eternal fragrance, creamy, smoother and soothing to the skin. For all you skin and hair needs, you will need this product. Please, give me a call. Upon rehearsing, I found this elevator pitch to be captivating, terse and complete with the message to the recipient. I think it stimulates thought, convinces and calls the recipient to act. I also think it increases consideration and makes the listener to choose Oshals cosmetics from a list of favorite brands. I learned that an elevator pitch is required to be brief enough to capture the attention of the recipient and not long to make it boring. The recipient should remain active and interested to listen to the conversation. I think that this sales pitch is captivating and carefully worded to reflect on the theme of the marketer. B13: In www.improvandy.com, the elevator pitch is of a financial advisor persuading debtors to move out of their burden into financial freedom. I think the message is persuasive, strong and to the point. Moreover, it has an attention statement, introduction and call for action to which the recipient can make a decision. The pitch recognizes that there are so many people out there who are burdened by debt and do not know how to exit. However, the pitch is not realistic as one would wonder to save $450 in just nine months keeping in mind other financial commitments that individuals have. I think a good elevator pitch should have all the five parts; an attention statement, introduction, body, conclusion and residual message. I learned that a good elevator pitch is required to seek attention through an attention statement before introducing the main topical issue. I learned that the body should capture the details of what the recipient needs to know and the conclusion part should lead the recipient to know that a solution to the problem is available and can be found in specific places and times. B14: Non-verbal communication cannot be taken in its entirety as that which is not verbal. This is because verbal communication involves both body language and words while non-verbal involves movement and body language. A satirical laugh may be construed by audience as inconsiderate and insensitive. When the Pastor smiles after announces that ‘Jack and Janet are wedding next Tuesday’, the audience will find the smile to complement the good news of a wedding. This shows that non-verbal communication supports verbal communication and is not entirely exclusive. Non-verbal responses also can create a complete meaning without a verbal communication especially where actions are concerned. I learned that non-verbal communication says a lot about the person relaying the message and that it is sometimes necessary to have both verbal and non-verbal communication intertwined. I think that people may communicate the right message wrongly if the non-verbal part is not checked. B15: I have respect for people’s time as they respect my time and dispense my activities based on plan and schedule. I value constructive friendships and relationships especially for noble causes. I spend most of my time at work then later reading newspapers and magazines, joining friends for coffee and having a good time outing with my partner. I value work but also being with friends and family. The list matches because it gives more time and attention to work then family and friends. I think that I am spending more time on what is important to me and what I cherish most as pillars of progress. I know relationships take time but I have found peace and tranquility in creating time and environment for work and family. I realized that having time for relaxation and being with friends allows the mind to unwind and catch up with social issues happening real time. B16: Time is a crucial factor in communicating events, activities and plans in the modern age. Given fast means of communications like email, Facebook, radio and TV, it is now emerging that people are interested in the currency of events especially in real-time. For example, a distress call from a drowning crew can save the situation if communication is effective to locate the distress ship and evacuate people within the shortest time. This shows that communication using mobile takes the shortest time and can save lives. Moreover, business communication using memos, emails and boardroom presentations carry lengthy messages that may or may not require feedback within some weeks or months. This indicates that time may not be an important element in their communication where the residual message is only meant to inform and not to seek opinion. I envy time management because communication itself is edged on time and is worth observing. I learned that technologies have improved the speed at which people communicate and thus ends up as a time saver. B17: Non-verbal communication uses both explicit and underlying assumptions, of which in most instances are symbolic, and governed by rules and culture. For example, in the recent past, some non-Muslims have had a tendency of forming prejudices over people with long beards and turbans as ‘extremists’ or ‘terrorists’. This social negative preconceived judgment uses stereotypes of religious fundamentalists to regard a certain religion as extreme. Explicitly, people judging every Muslim as terrorist tend to always treat them with prejudice without questioning the assumptions underlying the perceptions. It implies that the non-verbal communication fails to offer valuable and insightful differences between people drawn from different socio-economic, ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. I think people make assumptions through preconceived ideas already formed in their minds. I learned that non-verbal communication speaks loudly than verbal communication because it tends to reveal the feelings, emotions and thoughts of an individual even if they do not utter a word. B18: Agenda: Business sales meeting Ref/05/897/16: Annual sales report The meeting began with an opening statement from the sales manager. The marketing research team tabled the report showing that this year’s annual sales of shoes were $220,000 in Mohan and Gutang provinces. The sales manager then requested for suggestions on strategies to increase the market penetration within the two regions in the following year. In the report above, the sales manager wants to know the sales performance in figures and geographical regions. Information required is mainly the quantity sold, demographic group targeted, revenue collected, geographical distribution of buyers and strategies to penetrate the market. The marketing research team normally originates the information as they are involved in data collection, analysis and interpretation. B19: As part of a team from Milan that will meet the media team to discuss possibilities of creating a new Cappuccino coffee shop in Beijing city with existing competitors, I will need preliminary research. This research will include learning the Chinese culture, language and adaptation skills. I will be more open and creative by speaking about the Chinese culture and their favorite food and drinks in a positive way. I would also give examples of some of the tasty meals and drinks that I have cherished since arriving in China. I would also keep a balanced perspective of the new culture, experiences and lessons learned. I would also want to do more of listening than speaking as the presenter does more of the talking. I would not keep secret my marketing strategies but equally appreciate the role that competitors are doing in order to keep customers satisfied and provide quality products and services. Moreover, I would be keen not to overstate my expectations of the audience and prospective customers but to only assure them of timely and quality products and services. B20: Crisis communication often happens during times when organizations are undergoing sudden change. For example, a decision by a hospital equipment manufacturer to undertake downsizing or close some of its branches becomes a crisis to employees. Communicating such plans may be difficult especially where non-verbal communication is imminent. In unanticipated ways, the company may be at the center of crude information mismanagement and chaos which results in panic and massive exit of talented and loyal employees. In this time of crisis, employees are faced with decisions to leave the company voluntarily or remain and be edged out. Employees at this time are unproductive, absent and full of excuses as to their poor performances. I think communication about an impending downsizing or retrenchment should be communicated through emails and memos and reasons provided. It should also list the departments and people affected to avoid suspense as to who will face the ‘axe’. In addition, the communication should explain the reasons why the targeted downsizing is being done and how it will help the organization remain competitive and vibrant. B21: Self-disclosure is one way that allows audience to know the individuals or companies selling the products or services. This could involve tax returns, dealings with stakeholders and suppliers, conflict of interests and social responsibility engagements. When a firm engages in self-disclosure, they create openness and transparency to the customers and communities that all they do is what they have said. Just like the ‘onion model’, self-disclosure allows the company to gain more information about their customers, suppliers and intermediaries in-depth and in breadth. Customers will be aligned to perceive the current situation based on their previous experiences and shared beliefs, attitudes and core values. Furthermore, I would consider complying with conversational and relational norms when making a speech to persuade by talking about my past experiences and relating to the present phenomena. By peeling the layers that create barriers to communication, I will be able to capture emotional and psychological state of the audience. For example, superficially, an interviewee may tell me about their need to take a stimulant in the morning, upon further probing they say that tea is a preferable drink and at personal level they will admit to taking three cups each morning. B22: Employment interviews are beneficial to the interviewee and the interviewer. To the interviewee, the moment is an interaction and opportunity to showcase how ones skills, qualifications and attributes match those require for the job description. I think the interviewee expresses the desire to communicate the willingness and readiness to undertake responsibilities in the organization if allowed. While it requires that the interview questions be within the ability of the interviewee, the body language of the interviewee will create a free environment to respond to questions. On the other hand, I believe the interviewer expects feedback from the questions asked and provide a basis to know whether the candidate has the expected skills, qualifications and experiences. During interviews, I think the interviewer expects cooperation and unlimited contribution from the candidate. B23: Some of the common strategies to manage conflict include gunny sucking, face-saving, and avoidance, empathy and defensiveness vs. supportiveness. I think face-saving and supportiveness are more favorable since one works with the message and not the messenger making the conversation more supportive and professional. I think with face-saving, it is possible to protect the credibility of the messenger by separating messages. For example, the manager can ask ‘How can we improve the performance of Jane after a drop last month?’ Here, the manager is being supportive and intends to cool down any instances of conflict that may arise from dissatisfaction over poor sales. The strategy is good because it saves the face of the individual and encourages them to improve and meet organizational objectives. B24: I prefer Theory Z which combines both Theory Y and X. The basis of this choice is that workers need to develop skills, be loyal to the organization and flexible to job rotation. Consequently, they will show higher need for reinforcement and a sense of belonging. For example, workers under my supervision working in a multicultural context will have their well-being respected and their confidence trusted. In real work settings, I think theory Z draws from the American and Japanese style of management. I believe that combining both theory Y and X will create all-rounded workforce with the ability to adapt and show commitment to work. B25: In an overseas assignment as an expatriate, the common challenge is adapting to the local language, culture and lifestyle. Language may be difficult to follow because it entails both verbal and non-verbal communication. I believe learning their written and spoken language will help them appreciate my attempt to learn and understand their customs, culture and language. This means that the real intentions of communication can be hindered by language and cultural differences. I think one way to cope with the new environment is to observe and learn how the local people behave, talk and dress. For example, the Japanese prefer eating using chop sticks while sitting on a mat. As a western expatriate, I believe it would be easier to copy and adjust to this culture. Similarly, the elders greet their young all the time which is a sign of respect for the elders. B26: Yes, a non-group member can useful in helping the group move from norming to storming stage. During norming, the member can help the group on how the communicate and work by establishing spoken and unspoken rules. They can also help establish group roles, rank and status. I think the member can become a go-between where he or she helps the group to know each other and engage in more direct communication. This is because group members are often hindered from communicating directly due to frequent conflicts arising. I think that if the non-group member is more mature and older than majority of the group members, it is possible to transform a group from one stage to another. I believe that group members have an obligation in forming cohesive teams and understanding their roles in the group. Non-group member can come in as a conciliator or a go-between with special skills to change the thinking and feelings of group members on themselves. I think that a non-group member is equally significant in bringing harmony and progress in group forming and movement to various levels. B27: I prefer working in as a team in a group and not as an individual. This is because when working in a team, I will hone my communication skills well and have the ability to seek and listen as well as inspire the trust of others and have confidence in myself. As an individual it is not possible to follow or lead which are integral aspects of effective teamwork. I like team because they complement each other’s weaknesses and showcase their experiences, talents and skill sets to fulfill organizational obligations. I also think that teams tend to achieve higher performance levels given the combined talents and energies from members. On the other hand, as an individual I can help address stalemates and create blocks, have a sense of belonging and provide the diversity to energize the process. Conversely, teams can be challenging to personal commitments and competing assignments can compromise work and reduce efficiency. All in all, people I think people desire to celebrate incremental gain, willingly express their thoughts and opinions and belong to a successful team. B28: I admire and respect the former British Prime Minister, David Cameron. He came to the position through a democratic election which he garnered majority votes from his Tory party. I would term him as a coach and mentor because he preferred teamwork and development of people’s skills and abilities. I think he helped people to understand issues and challenges especially with their involvement in the European Union and typically resigned when he thought that exiting the EU was against his will and thought. I believe that he liked engaging people into coming up with solutions rather than forcing them to act. I like him because he has a structured approach and stays within a skill set to develop people’s skills and abilities in various sectors of the economy. I learned that a role model can be a political, religious or academic leader with some special attributes and qualities that help to change the thinking and perceptions of the follower. References http://www.chasingthedonkey.com/croatia-travel-blog/best-shoes-for-travel-tips-for-picking-the-best-travel-shoes/ http://improvandy.com/elevator-pitch/examples-of-a-30-second-elevator-pitch/ Read More