Personal Language History, Self Development and Setting Goals, Social Responsibility of Business - Assignment Example

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION PORTFOLIO Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Part 3 Session Personal Language History 3 Training Plan: Session 4 5 Critical Incident: Session 5 10 Social Responsibility of Businesses: Session 6 11 Reflection of Presentation: Session 12 12 Part B: 14 Self Development and Setting Objectives: Session 3 14 How Green is My University Campus: Session 8 15 Case Study Information: Session 11 17 A semi-formal email to John: Session 15: 18 A formal letter of a consultancy brief: Session 22: 19 Reference List: 22 Part 1: Session 1: Personal Language History Early years Being born in Qingdao, China, from childhood I was surrounded by different dialects and languages. Even in my family, multiple languages were used which helped me in understanding the lingual differences within society. My father used to speak the local language of Weihai, my mom spoke with me in Mandarin and I also learnt Qingdao’s local language from my grandmother. I was not able to speak to Weihai but can understand what my father used to say. Learning languages in China is a lengthy process because of the different accents and languages being used in every city. I was able to speak Mandarin and Qingdao local fluently because of constant communication with my mother and grandmother. Educational impact When I began my schooling, I found out that most of the students were able to speak mandarin and those who could speak only their local language were helped out by the teachers. Our teacher had a very nice accent and pronounced every word with perfection. The teachers used to correct our mistakes; however there was a difference in the English we spoke with teachers and the English within friend circles. Most of us use mixed English with the local language and the result was mistakes in both the languages and an unrecognized accent. I also took German as the second foreign language but I faced many problems mainly in the accent. Later on I began interacting with some other students from Europe for improving my English. Idiolects My command over Mandarin and the local language is good and my English accent has also improved over the years. However, my English accent still has a Mandarin tone attached which makes it weird. When I joined a professional campaign, I came to know about the difference in my English and the English of my European superiors. I am an interactive person and hence have developed my English speaking skills in order to communicate effectively with my colleagues and peers. Training Plan: Session 4 The learning style selected for the development of the language and communication skills are auditory and observational. It will be difficult for me to adapt to auditory learning style initially as my knowledge regarding the UK English is limited and I cannot always apprehend what is being said to me. Thus, initially I will mainly follow observational learning style that will reflect the pattern of communication, selection of words, the accent and pronunciation of the British people. Once I am able to understand the segments that I need to improve upon I can select auditory learning style for improving the communication and interaction process. The skills most essential for my professional growth begins with the ability to speak and understand UK English in an appropriate manner. If I am not able to interact with my colleagues and superiors then there will be miscommunication and my chances of growth will be hampered. The training plan developed for achieving the above stated objective has been designed in three levels. The first level is to develop skills for listening intently for identifying the mistakes in my pronunciation and language speaking style. Once I am able to gather the sufficient information and can make proper assessment of English language, I will be able to design the next phase of my communication plan that will be improvement. For improvement of the mistakes I will focus on practicing tongue exercises and breathing techniques, I am also thinking of practicing English speaking with a teacher who can guide me in the right direction. The final stage of my communication plan is to interact with my fellow students regularly so that I can develop fluency and reduce the impact of Mandarin accent while speaking. Apart from this, I have also developed VAK questionnaires for assessing the suitability of the options that I have. Questionnaire 1 Learning styles questionnaire (But do not take this type of exercise too seriously, there are many different classifications.) Ask another student which of the following choices they normally make 1. How do you learn to operate a new gadget that you have brought? Do you: a. read the instructions which came with the device? b. ask a friend to tell you how it works? c. start to use it at once, to try to work it out for yourself? 2. How do you find your way in new city you went for holiday? Do you: a. buy a map of the city so you can find your way around? b. stop someone on the street and ask for directions? c. just walk around the streets trying to find the place, perhaps looking for street signs? 3. What will you do if you want to make a new dish u ate at a friend’s house? Do you: a. use google to find a recipe for the dish on the internet? b. ask a friend who is a good cook how to cook it? c. remember the dish and try to recreate it, to experiment until you find an okay way of doing it? 4. Your friends need help using MS office. Do you: a. find a guide of step-by-step instructions your friend can read? b. speak to them, to tell them what are the important things to remember? c. sit with them at a PC and demonstrate? 5. How do you react when a friend of yours tells that you have broken a promise and she is upset: a. I see what you mean. b. I hear what you say. c. I know how you feel. 6. What is your reply to your boss when he wants you to do a new task that you have not done before. Do you say: a. Show me how you want me to do it. b. Tell me how you want me to do it. c. Let me have a try and I’ll ask if I need help. 7. Your younger brother has brought a bi-cycle and is learning to ride . Do you say: a. Watch me, I’ll show you how it’s done. b. Listen to me, I’ll explain it to you. c. Go on, you try, let me watch. 8. Your new gadget is malfunctioning. Do you: a. Write a letter of complaint to the shop/manufacturer? b. Telephone the shop/manufacturer to tell them what the problem is.? c. go to the shop to complain and ask for a replacement.? 9. If you were asked to organise a social event for a new group of students for increasing interaction. Do you plan: a. a trip to a museum or gallery? b. a night out in a pub so you can chat? c. a session of paintballing? 10. What will you gift your friend on her birthday: a. a new novel by an author you know she likes? b. a CD of her favourite band? c. some software you know she needs? 11. While going for a job interview you need to buy a new outfit. Do you: a. look at the clothes in the shop and imagine whether they will look good on you? b. ask the sales assistant whether she thinks they suit you? c. try them on? 12. While buying a car and selecting between four available options , do you: a. read about the advantages and disadvantages of the possible cars in auto magazines? b. ask your friends which car they think is best? c. ask the garage if you can have a test drive? Total for a. Total for b. Total for c. Mostly a = a preference for a visual learning style Mostly b = a preference for an auditory learning style Mostly c = a preference for a auditory learning style Questionnaire 2 Assessment of the job skills that I need to develop in order to sustain my future prospects: score/10 skills and work competency areas self- assess 2nd view Essential / Desirable 1 Using and developing my knowledge. 6 E 2 Researching, investigating and problem-solving. 7 E 3 Communicating outwardly: face-to-face, phone, email, etc. 4 E 4 Listening and interpretation, establishing rapport, understanding needs. 4 E 5 Developing solutions and agreeing things with people. 7 E 6 Financial understanding and commercial ability. 5 D 7 Speaking and presenting to groups. 6 D 8 Helping or coaching or teaching or training others. 4 D 9 Using information and communications technology (ICT or IT). 6 E 10 Technical appreciation and use of equipment/tools/machinery for my area and related areas. 6 E 11 Understanding and making the most of my relationships with people and groups. 5 E 12 Competitor/industry awareness and consideration of these factors in planning, decision-making, etc. 4 D 13 Taking initiative and responsibility, e.g., decision-making, project management, running meetings. 6 E 14 Visioning, creating, and inspiring others with my ideas. 5 D 15 Managing time, planning, being effective, efficient, productive, and reliable. 6 E 16 Appreciating/applying social responsibility, sustainability, humanity and ethical considerations. 5 D behaviours, attitudes and personal style self-ass. 2nd view E / D 1 Striving for personal development. 6 D 2 Taking personal responsibility to resolve problems, even those not of my own making. 5 D 3 Understanding the way people really feel. 5 D 4 Developing positive relationships. 6 E 5 Keeping focused and productive, reliable and dependable. 5 D 6 Planning how to achieve my work and personal goals. 6 E 7 Managing stress and conflict. 6 E 8 Managing upwards and sideways (my managerial superiors and my peers). 5 D 9 Contributing positively to team/company morale and spirit. 5 E 10 Seeking and picking up responsibility that I see waiting to be filled. 4 D 11 Team-working. 6 E 12 Having compassion and care for others. 7 E 13 Using integrity and ethics in my judgement about work and organisational issues. 6 D Critical Incident: Session 5 Before coming to UK for pursuing my educational goals, I did not face any major cross cultural incidents. My Mandarin was fluent which allowed me to get out of situations even without the knowledge of the local language. However, in UK facing the challenge of creating a group meeting was a difficult task; I was not prepared for facing the situation of comprehending other cross cultural language barriers. The topic selected for the meeting was to identify the influence of culture in the accent of peoples from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. After reaching UK, I realised that I was not able to speak openly in a confident manner because of my poor English. Once while attending a class, I volunteered to answer a question, but the faculty was not able to understand what I said because of strong Mandarin accent in my English. That was a very embarrassing situation for me. During our team meetings also the problems were pretty evident. Apart from our difference in languages, we were not aware of the cultural practices and have in many situations acted in offensive manner. I was not able to clearly explain my concerns and the other group members were also facing problems understanding my accent. However, the evaluation report provided to each of us at the end of the meeting was helpful as it highlighted the key issues with my spoken English. Social Responsibility of Businesses: Session 6 The debate is based on analyzing the concept of corporate social responsibility of the business houses. Social responsibility of the business houses operating all over the world has increased with the acceptance of the concept of corporate social responsibility of the business houses (De Cremer and Trenbrunsel, 2011). The business aspects are now framed with considerations of the impact of the business activities on the society, environment and nation. This was mentioned by Benn and Bolton (2011). Although, business houses are formed with the intention of earning profits and while maintaining the social and environmental concerns are to be conducted by the social bodies and the government. The criticism was put forth by Hopkins (2009). These arguments were considered as the key points of the research. I also observed that ethical consideration of business activities is included in the process of framing the CSR aims and objectives which creates transparency in the business process (Van Marrewijk, 2011). The business segment of China has been compared with the global business sector for assessing process of implementing and monitoring the CSR activities. As per the options of Frynas (2007), business houses are treating their CSR activities as a new marketing technique that creates both promotional factors and public relations for the companies allowing them to enhance their brand equity in the market. Authors such as Cheney and Roper (2010) suggested that organizations are trying to develop transparent relationships with their stakeholders for ensuring better business support. The concern of the business houses for developing a sustainable business process that will result in mutual growth of the stakeholders as well as the firm (Braley, 2008). Focusing on the business practices in China, most of the business houses are more concerned about the stability of the internal business structure in order to enhance business productivity and performance. Bendixen and Abratt (2011) reflected similar concern in “Corporate identity, ethics and reputation in supplier-buyer relationships”. The business management focuses on the wellbeing of their employees while the Government of China has strict rules regarding the participation of the corporate sector for the improvement of the social and environmental aspects of the nation. The CSR frameworks of the corporate sectors are largely influenced by the Government policies that also reduce the controversies regarding the ethics of business activities as suggested by Fukukawa, Balmer and Gray (2009). However, internal factors such as corruption within the regulatory bodies can hamper the efficacy of the CSR activities of the business. Reflection of Presentation: Session 12 The presentation framing process created many barriers and problems. The most common issue was the difference of languages within the team. The team members were SY Zheng, GX Gris, Yee and Tiger. Most of the team members were not having English as their mother tongue. This created miscommunication and confusion among the team members. Another problem that hampered the team-work was the inability of the team-members to meet regularly for the project mainly because of the different class timings. Moreover, all of us were not confident regarding the process of taking the project forward so there was no leader within the team which reduced the ability in decision making. The presentation of the group did not go in the desired manner mainly because of the language problem. The team was not confident of accuracy of their English. I myself was also not able to present my portion of the speech in an appropriate manner because I was afraid to speak out in public. Furthermore, it can be said that the team only read the speech prepared for each member rather than make a presentation. We were not able to understand or relate the topic with the English perspective because our national perspective would be the first thought that came to our mind (Stevens and Brownell, 2009). This also created for us in interpreting the speech in the proper manner. Another challenge that we faced was the selection of the segments for each members of the group. It was essential to categories the presentation based on the expertise of the team members. I wanted to present the portion that is focused on the business ethics considered by Chinese firms in business meetings but it was given to another teammate. However, this was given to another team member and I selected the portion explaining the influence of cultural and lingual barriers in the business process. However, the team delivered the presentation but it was not in an appropriate manner and lacked integration within the team. Part B: Self Development and Setting Objectives: Session 3 In order to develop my communication skills for reducing any kind of future problems that I may face in my work place in regards to language and accent, I need to enhance my English speaking abilities. I have always been an ambitious person and wanted to work in a multinational firm where I have the opportunity to visit European countries (Lin, 2014). I have also planned my educational factors in relation to my communication process. I noticed that interaction was not a problem for me but my hard Mandarin mixed English accent is difficult to understand for the other persons. Furthermore, limited practice of English language in China also was a key reason behind the inability to speak proper English (California State University, 2014). The English of UK differs with my accent in a vast manner beginning from the pronunciation of the alphabets to that of words or construction of sentences. The basic requirements for improving my communication skills should begin with identifying the difference between UK English and my English. My communication plan is focused on reducing the accent issues and clarifies the pronunciation so that I can enhance my interaction with social and professional groups and establish better future scope in the next 1 year. Specific: The objective and the planning process of improving my communication skills mainly focus on the reducing errors in accent and pronunciation issues by increasing interaction with fellow student groups. Measureable: I will try to measure the improvement by learning 20 new words each day from online and offline publications and try to practice on my presentation skills each day for 1 hour with mirror presentations. Attainable: Learning 20 words each day and practicing presentation skills for 1 hour won’t consume much of my time and I can manage them within my schedule. Also both the factors are related to my career prospects. Realistic: Learning new words and business terms, understanding publications in UK papers and magazines will help in attaining the set objectives. Also practicing in front of mirror with a script will help in improving my presentation skills. Time: The expected time period for fulfilling the objective and attaining the desired goals has been set as 1 yr. (Please check the appendix for the questionnaire) How Green is My University Campus: Session 8 1.0 Executive Summary: The report concentrated on the implementation of green concept within the University campus of the author. The report reflected on the steps taken by the University for maintaining greenery and also focused on the gaps in the process. The recommendations provided are based on the findings of the report. 2.0 Introduction: The concept of being is now being implemented and included in every institution may it be social, educational or corporate. This report is focused on assessing the process of enhancing green environment within the university campus of the researcher. The researcher will take into considerations the natural conservations, energy saving process and other activities considered by the business. 3.0 Findings: 3.1 Activities for maintaining greenery: The University campus has been developed in a manner so as to preserve the natural beauty and ensure proper utilization of the resources of nature. The border of the campus is surrounded by trees and plants. There are many gardens within the campus and people can spot the greenery within the campus easily (Boeger, 2010). On the other hand, the university also focuses on proper utilisation of energy with the help of appropriate gadgets and tools such as the use of CMH lights, solar energy panels for illuminating the play ground and the auditorium (Forbes LLP, 2013). 3.2 Gaps in maintaining greenery: The University lacks proper administration for embedding the green concept among the students. Students do not have to consider the excess use of electricity or water. The plants potted within the buildings are often harmed by the students. 4.0 Conclusion: The report focused on the various aspects involved in maintaining greenery in the University campus of the researcher. The study identified some significant energy saving procedure used by the University but also pointed out the gaps in the concerned methods. Overall, it can be observed that the environmental factors considered by the University are effective but needs to be improved for enhancing their efficacy. 5.0 Recommendations: In order to improve the greenery within the campus the University should try to involve the students in the process of maintaining environmental sustainability. This will increase the task force of the University and bring in greater efficiency and control over the process of maintaining environmental beauty in campus. Case Study Information: Session 11 Present: Edith Raven [ER], Project Director, Europe Head Office. Manuel Garden [MG], a young graduate. Carl Gutzman [CG], Community Mayor. Juan Gutzman [JG], Leader of Farmers’ Group. Mary Fernandez [MF], Member of Parliament. Apologies: Josef Eider [JE], Community Health Officer Topic 1 / Problems The concern was raised upon the existence of the community as youths were leaving the place for better future prospects and jobs to other locations. The main focus was on creating job opportunities for the youths of the community. Topic 2 / Suggestion + Problems: Considering the gravity of the situation, MG stated that the concerned authorities must formulate and implement effective strategies for creating job opportunities for the youths. CG and JG opined that the farmers and the fishermen are the biggest employers in the area but given the condition of the infrastructure the process of transporting the products to the market are really difficult for them. Hence the business is suffering loss and the products remain unsold. ER stated that help from local leaders and regulatory authorities will increase the process reformation of the community and improve the carrier prospects of the youths. Topic 3/ Actions The first action considered is to build a proper road for transport and communication between the market and the community place to ensure smooth business transactions. The second action is to develop a hotel that would act as an attraction for outsiders to visit the place and increase scope of business. The third action is to develop extra services such as water sports small fairs alongside the beach for enhancing market scope and job opportunities. In order to implement the above actions, MG, CG and JG will be entrusted with the process of project planning and they will develop the list of requirements for project initiation and completion. The project plans will be monitored and assessed by MF and forwarded for grants to EG. Date of next meeting: 10 o’clock in morning after four weeks. A semi-formal email to John: Session 15: Dear John, Tinydeal is a Hong Kong based virtual retailer of reasonably priced electronics products who have launched their website with a global outlook (http://www.tinydeal.com). They are trying to connect the consumers from all over the world with their supplier base with the help of an internationally modelled ecommerce website. I have analysed the website carefully and related it with the customer behaviour of the nearby countries and UK for assessing the requirements of creating an effective ecommerce website. Considering the market of the neighbouring countries of Hong Kong, the business prospects are high as TinyDeal is connecting the suppliers to their website and reducing the price level of the product for facilitating consumer needs. Emerging markets where the price of the products plays a major role in the consumer decision making are attractive target markets for TinyDeal. Markets such as India and China are also experiencing the growth of ecommerce business creating more scope for business houses like TinyDeal. However, in developed markets such as UK, consumers also consider other factors such as the brand value, company history and product background etc. Moreover the website also lacks information regarding the company and their process of attending to customer query is complex which can create barriers in international businesses. Apart from this, the following issues have been identified by me in analysis of the website: The translation is not proper UK English which can create confusion among consumers. The filtering of products should be introduced on the basis of brands also. The consumer preferred products and brands should be available on the website. Kindly consider the above aspects of building an ecommerce website mentioned in the mail, additional details have been provided in the given attachments. Thanks! A formal letter of a consultancy brief: Session 22: To, Philip Hargreaves Room 103, No 403 Oxford Street London W1A1EX Dear Philip, This letter is in regards to the prospect of developing a new eco-tourism venture that can help in solving the employment problems of the local community. I also had a brief conversation with you over phone few days back, the establishment of this eco-tourism venture can help in improving the business prospects of the farmers, the fishing industry and create better infrastructure for water supply in the concerned areas. The specific aspects of the eco-venture In Smart principles are as follows: Specific: To establish a beach resort for attracting foreign tourists and build the tourism sector of the community and provide an earning source for the locals. Measureable: The initial aim of the eco-venture will be to earn a turnover of $25 million in the first three years to cover up the expenses. This can be narrowed down to around $70000 each month and is attainable given the infrastructural facilities are properly developed. Attainable: Considering the high value of fish of the community in foreign markets and the attraction of water sports and other entertainment themes, the minimum sale figure can be achieved easily. Realistic: The set objectives will help in growth of the economy and also create job opportunities for the youths of the community. Time: The time taken for the development of the eco-venture will be around 1.5 years and can achieve the breakeven within the first year of launch. The primary focus of the eco-tourism venture is to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of the region by creating proper infrastructural facilities. The growth of the economic conditions is primarily based on the farming and fishing but poor infrastructural facilities is reducing their scope of growth. The youths of the community are hence venturing into other areas in search of jobs. The plan of creating eco-tourism venture is to develop more economic opportunities without hampering the business prospects of the existing industries. In order to implement this eco-tourism project, the infrastructure has to be developed so that proper transportation means can be created. The next focus will be to use the local resources of the place for improving the facilities provided to the buyers and sellers. I would request you to offer your guidance in this matter and help us in continuing with the project. Please feel free to share your suggestions and let us know if you need any further information. Thanks for your time and help. Yours Faithfully, Reference List: Bendixen, M. and Abratt, R. 2011. Corporate identity, ethics and reputation in supplier-buyer relationships. Journal of Business Ethics, 76, 69–82. Benn, S., and Bolton, D., 2011. Key Concepts in Corporate Social Responsibility. 6th ed. London: McGraw-Hill Education. Boeger, N., 2010. Reframing Corporate Social Responsibility. 4th ed. Belgium: Peeters Publisher. Braley, S. J. F. 2008. Ethics incorporated: Department managers set and enforce guidelines. Meetings & Conventions. 36(1), 58-66. California State University. 2014. History of Chinese Language. Available from: http://www20.csueastbay.edu/class/departments/modernlanguages/languages/chinese/history.html [Accessed 02 October 2014]. Carroll, A. B., 2008. ‘The Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility: Toward the Moral Management of Organizational Stakeholders’. Business Horizons, 34: 39–48. Chapman, A. 2006. Skill and behaviour set. Available from: http://www.businessballs.com/skillsetbehaviourset.pdf [Accessed on: 02 October 2014]. Cheney, G. and Roper, J. 2010. The Debate Over Corporate Social Responsibility. 4th ed. London: Prentice Hall. De Cremer, D. and Trenbrunsel, D. 2011. Behavioural Business Ethics: Ideas on an Emerging Field, 4/e. New York: Routledge Forbes LLP. 2013. Corporate Social Responsibility: The Key To Attracting & Retaining Top Talent. Available from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/insead/2013/11/12/corporate-social-responsibility-the-key-to-attracting-retaining-top-talent/ [Accessed on: 04 October 2014]. Foreign Translations. 2014. The Chinese Language History [online]. Available from: https://www.foreigntranslations.com/languages/chinese-translation/chinese-language-history/ [Accessed on: 04 October 2014]. Frynas, J. G., 2007. ‘Corporate Social Responsibility in Emerging Economies’. Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 24: 16–19. Fukukawa, K., Balmer, J. M. T. and Gray, E. R. 2009. Mapping the interface between corporate identity, ethics and corporate social responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 76, 1–5. Hopkins, M., 2009. The planetary bargain: Corporate Social Responsibility. 5th ed. New York: Leadership Press. Hutchinson, T. 1987. English for specific purposes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Lijie, Y. 2002. A Tentative Exploration on the Teaching of College English Reading. Guangxi Reseach In Higher Education, 4, 037. Lin, K. 2014. Chinese language [online]. Available from: https://ethnomed.org/culture/chinese/chinese-language-profile [Accessed on: 04 October 2014]. Lin-li, L. I. 2011. College English teaching under the perspective of transmitting internalized knowledge to quality. Journal of Xinyang Agricultural College, 2, p. 053. Stevens, B. and Brownell, J. 2009. Ethics: Communicating standards and influencing behavior. Cornell Hotel & Restaurant Administration Quarterly. 41(2), 39-43. Van Marrewijk, M. 2011. Concepts and dentitions of CSR and corporate sustainability: between agency and communion. Journal of Business Ethics 44: 95–105 Yahong, L. 2009. How can I help my students promote learner-Autonomy in English language learning. Educational Journal of Living Theories, 2 (3), pp. 365-398. Questionnaire: 4 = strongly agree 3 = agree 2 = disagree 1 = strongly disagree Reading I can read English newspapers with little difficulty 4 3 2 1 I can read academic textbooks with little difficulty 4 3 2 1 I can read fiction/non-fiction books easily in English 4 3 2 1 I can read journal articles about my speciality (e.g. Finance, or Marketing) with little difficulty 4 3 2 1 Writing I can write English accurately 4 3 2 1 I can write course assignments with little difficulty 4 3 2 1 I can write in different styles for different purposes 4 3 2 1 I can see my mistakes when I write in English 4 3 2 1 Listening I have little difficulty understanding social conversations 4 3 2 1 I have little difficulty understanding TV in English (e.g. films & news) 4 3 2 1 I have little difficulty understanding my teachers and lecturers 4 3 2 1 I can hear different Englishes 4 3 2 1 Speaking I feel confident when I use English in social situations 4 3 2 1 I feel comfortable using English in seminar discussions 4 3 2 1 I can use different forms of English for different situations 4 3 2 1 I enjoy speaking English and try to whenever possible 4 3 2 1 Read More